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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1986-12-10, Page 21SECOND SECTION 1NCORPORAT1NG-THE BLYTH STANDARD -THE BAYFIELD BUGLE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1986 Youth survey to be followed-up By Anne Narejko CLINTON - Earlier this year, a survey was designed and conducted by youth in Huron County to examine and analyze the special needs of those between the ages of 15 and 24. The results of the survey were tabulated and presented to the students' councils of each of the secondary schools in the county during a seminar at Central 1110 Huron Secondary School ( CHSS) on November 21. "All of the recommendations will be sent to groups who can make things happen. The question is, will you (the students) be there to push for this?" asked Paul Carroll of the Huron Cuwity Board of Education. Mr. Carroll, who was chairing the meeting, stressed that if the students want changes, they have to be prepared to follow the matter through. "The thing that discourages us (adults assisting with the survey project) is that we get this far and then no one follows it through," he said. Survey Methods Surveys containing questions on health, education and social services were sent to each high school in the county and were completed individually during class. As well, surveys were sent to those who drop- ped out of the high school systerq, a Grade 8 class at Robertson Memorial Public School, Goderich, and a Grade 8 class at East Wawanosh Public School, Belgrave. The survey was also printed in Focus Magazine which is circulated throughout the county. Of the 453 completed surveys, 215 were filled out by males and 237 by females. Breaking the survey down into age groups, there were five 12 year olds, 35 13 •year olds, 6014 year olds, 101 15 year olds, 90 16 year olds, 68 17 year olds, 63 18 year olds, 24 19 year olds, one 20 -year-old, four 21 year olds, and one 23 and 24 -year-old. A final part of the survey method was interviewing. Overall Survey Results Listed below are some of the questions and results from the entire county. Some. percentages do not total 100 due to roun- ding or incomplete responses. Answers in the form of verbal comments are not listed in any particular order. Social: • Would you be interested in a dance spon- sored by all high schools in Huron County? -44 very interested -33 fairly interested -16 partially interested -5 not at all interested -2 not very interested •If there were dances available for high school students only (ages 15-19 ), would you be interested in attending? -32 fairly interested -21 very interested -20 not'at all interested - 19 partially interested -4 not very interested • How do you react to police? - nervous -friendly -respectful -normal to no reaction •Would you be interested in theatre if it was directed at youth? -35 partially interested -23 fairly interested -16 not very interested -15 not at all interested -12 very interested • Do you feel the media reflects the in- terests of youth? -37 partially -31 fairly much -14 not very much -6 very much • Are you happy with your community? -38 partially -28 fairly -12 very -10 not very -7 not at all • Would you be interested in organized ac- tivities such as bus trips, concerts, ice • capades, shopping, etc.? -36 fairly interested -33 very interested -19 .partially interested -6 not very interested -6 not at all interested • Would you volunteer to help with facilities and programs? -59 would Jack Donahue, guest speaker at the Youth Assessment Seminar held at Central Huron Secondary School, invited two students from the audience up for a demonstration. Mr. Donahue, coach of the -35 would not •Do you feel active in your community? -38 feel partially active -28 feel fairly active -13 not very active - 9 not at all active - 8 very active • What types of recreation facilities would you like to see in your community? -indoor recreation centre and sports complex -theatre -winter roller skating rink -teen bar -dirt bike trails • What types of programs or groups would you like to see? - girls' hockey teams -concerts -fitness or sports club ° • Do you feel you are welcome to par- ticipate in programs that are available? -77 feel welcome -20 not welcome Health At the seminar, students were divided into four groups to discuss Youth and The Law, Social Needs of Adolescence, It's A Matter of Health and Education: Then What? The students were joined by experts from each field and were given the oppor- tunity to ask questions. The results of the talks in the health and social groups overlapped somewhat,. discussing a crisis hotline and hostels. Canadian Olympic Basketball team, gave the group of students representing the county schools a talk on how to be successful. (Anne Narejko photo) In the social needs group, students had the opportunity to learn more about the services available in the county as their panel members were John Penn of Family and Children's Services; Shirley Hackman of Huron -Perth Centres for Children and Youth; Dave Overboe of Huron County Social Services and Marlene Morrow, area resource teacher with the county board of education. The question of establishing a hostel or crisis centre raised mixed responses from students in the social needs group. While one student felt the centre would be abused with people "who were not fac- ing the problem, just running away from it," others disagreed. "What we need is a place where we can get counseling, where we can cool off, not run away from home," answered another student. Another suggestion was that it be used for unresolvable problems only. To enlighten the students on the existing services which are available to them, each of the four panel members briefly describ- ed what their agency offers. Mr. Penn told the group that his agency works with children under 16 who need assistance because of physical or emo- tional abuse, or with parents who are hav- ing difficulties handling their children. "Our main focus is trying to work with the family," he said. Legislation introduced recently has allowed youth to ask for help :without their parents' consent, Mr. Penn said, adding, "You have a big say in the counseling you receive." This last comment sparked another question from the panel's audience. What happens if you have a personality conflict with your counsellor? "It is important for you to say if you don't get along with the counsellor. By all means, say something and we'll try to make another connection (referral) for you." One thing the students agreed unanimously on was the need for a hot-line number. Family and Children's Services has a 24 hour line but deals basically with those under 16 or 17, "although you will get some type of response regardless of your age." The majority of students also said they would be willing to act as volunteers with the system if so required. In the group discussing health matters, the panel consisted of Kathy Thompson, nutritionist with the Huron County Health Unit; Dr. Harry Cieslar, member of the implementation committee for mental health services in Huron County; Shirley Fisher, public health nurse at CHSS, and Marlene Roberton, public health nurse. The subject of establishing a youth hostel arida crisis line was also raised, but on a slightly different level, discussing the method of counseling they would like to have. Students agreed that they would like a place where they could stay overnight and which had counsellors. However, they would also like to have group discussions. As for the hot-line number, the group was in favor of this but added that initially, students want to talk to those in their own age group because they believe there is less intimidation. But the biggest element that came out of the health group's discussion was there is a need for more discussion - time to make plans and delve into the issues more. Youth And The Law The discussion from the youth and the law group centred mainly around drugs and alcohol. They suggested there should be an awareness week held at each school with specialist from the community coming in to discuss drugs and alcohol. They were also concerned about what type of counsel- ing was available through the law. The group had mixed feelings on whether alcohol abuse was a problem, but they did agree there was a lot of underage drinking. A final point was a suggestion to study law - not just the history, but what to do if you find yourself in certain situations. Their panel consisted of Gary Gaeler, Regional Community Services Officer with the Ontario Provincial Police; Tom Ewer, youth probation officer; Joan Van den Broeck, trustee with the board of education; Karen Sturdy, Justice of the Peace; Patti Rean, associated with the Survival Through Friendship House in Goderich. Education: Then What° The panel for the education group con- sisted of Connie Birmingham, co-ordinator of student services for the Huron -Perth Separate School Board; Bill Weber of CHSS; Paul Carroll of the Huron Board of Education. The biggest issue arising from this group was the need for college and university materials to be presented to students before Grade 12 or 13. "We need it at a younger age so we can know more of what to expect, both for studies and lifestyles," they said. They would also like to have additional help available for students, such as, "A -tutor program or something set up through the guidance department." The students were asked if there was a need for updated instructional material and they felt there was no real need, "...the present manuals are all right." Students' Councils Reports Although each of the secondary schools was given the opportunity to present their school's feelings on the survey, only Goderich and District Collegiate Institute (GDCI) stood up to read their submission. They felt more people should have been surveyed, especially in the 14 -year-old and 24 -year-old category. They also felt the survey was conducted at a bad time as ex- ams were underway. However, on the whole, GDCI students appreciated the effort put forth by the committee. • Some survey questions and answers (CHSS- Central Huron Secondary School; GDCI Goderich and District Cotte stitute; SDSS - Seaforth and District Secondary.School; Madill - F.;CMadill, Silt ) Huron and District. Health How often do you consume alcohol? Everyday Twice a week Once a week Once a month Not at all How often do you do drugs? . Everyday Twice a week Once a week Once a month Not at all , Do you feel it would: be beneficial to have a drttrehabrittation or r ru Very beneficial Fairly beneficial Partially beneficial Not very beneficial Not at all EdtleatIO ' . ate t� Would you;consideer going to the health office in gout` school to speakto he health nurse or i` Sf`otli`•gather inforrnation about a certain issuue7 tiite often7 3 3 Fairly oi'ten 26 10 17 1Vlay:eisit 19 37 43 NO very Often .. 1'9 18, 1,, Not at all. ° 29 26` 20. Are thed.healthfaeillties at your school adetlua fiery adequate Fairly adequate Adequate •110-Y-00. Not at all Oo: you feel there... -16.s need for a late bus ticils tin rn sports and after school activities' us=>t ou d nit ki take you to your hone OtiVti • strong need iii y)Arongneed art; need. 10 5 6 26 11 • 33 do. 21 0 11 20. 2 6, 12 10 37 56 24 15 '22 .12 17 7 37 25 30 41 15 . 12 9 10 �C..e.heite students par- lss their regular bis. This o 26 20 51 49 26 26 22 5 21. 26 4 13 11 1 ,3 1.1.' 14 -8 6 Youth Needs Survey Committee On the Youth Steering Committee, which designed the questions for the Youth Needs Assessment were: Kim Gibson of Wingham, Cheryl Smith of Holyrood, Angela Fleming of Exeter, Jeff Watson of Seaforth, Jeff Wareham of Exeter, Lydia Ericson of Bayfield and Robin Wark of Goderich. The Adult Steering Committee consisted of: Joan VandenBroeck, Paul Carroll, Don Keillor, John Penn, Gaeton Blanchette, Jean Schoebal and Judy McMichael. Patti Rean was the program co-ordinator. The assessment was funded by the Youth Secretariat, Ministry of State and co-sponsored by the Huron County Board of Education, the Huron -Perth Separate School Board, Huron County Family and Children's Services and the Huron Centre for Children and Youth. If it's gonna be, it's up to me CI.INTON - Guest speaker Jack Donahue, coach of the Canadian Olympic Basketball Team, gave the students' coun- cils of Huron County many pointers on suc- cess during the Youth Needs Assessment Seminar. If a person were to choose the most outstanding pointer, it may the phrase, "If it's gonna be, it's up to me." "That's my greatest motivational talk. No one can make anyone do anything - a part of them has to want to," said Mr. Donahue. "And you can't blame anyone or anything else - it's not a bad world, it's not the tough economy, it's not the teacher, it's not the guy who annoys you in class, it's me." Change, challenge, commitment and control are also traits Mr. Donahue believes are connected with success, Connecting change to ereryday life,- Mr. Donahue said, "You keep your old shoes because they're comfortable. Change means the unknown and comfortable is dissimilar to change." Challenge , simply means seeking Turn to page 2A •