We have heard Jordan Buna speak in Surrey three times during the past year or so.
Every time we leave the former gangster’s powerful presentation, we feel inspired.
Every student in Surrey needs to hear his story.
Thousands of elementary school students are having their eyes opened to the cold realities of gang life, thanks to the new Surrey RCMP program called Shattering the Image, which Buna is part of.
Presentations like Buna’s are delivered to high schools in areas where youth are known to be involved in gangs but perhaps even more importantly, to students in elementary schools that feed into those secondary schools.
It’s a brilliant strategy.
But we want more.
See also: VIDEO: The inspiration behind a Surrey gang presentation in elementary schools
See also: How gangsters are recruiting Surrey teens on Instagram, Snapchat
See also: VIDEO: A former Surrey gangster’s cautionary tale
While we understand the need to target at-risk youth first and foremost, we feel strongly that every Grade 6 and 7 student in Surrey – and their parents – should hear this powerful message.
As is the case with most things, limited time and resources are a challenge, to be sure. But this program is going to keep many youth from going down the slippery slope that leads to gangs – of this, we have no doubt.
As Buna tells kids, while it takes a lot of good choices to stay on a positive path, it only takes a few bad ones to alter that path forever. That includes the kind of people we surround ourselves with.
What an important thing for our children to hear.
So, Jordan, keep telling your story. Our kids – all of them – need to hear it.
Now-Leader
edit@surreynowleader.com
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