Every day, millions of people worldwide experience mental health challenges and, far too often, those who need help don’t receive it. The Northwest Arctic Borough School District (NWABSD) had been struggling with this challenge, which in the past resulted in multiple students each year taking their own lives. But through the innovative Youth Leaders Program led by the students themselves, the well-being of youth in the region has undergone a significant transformation over the past 10 years.
The NWABSD announced in June 2018 a continuation of the Youth Leaders Program, thanks to a $750,000 donation from Teck Red Dog Operations. Approximately $1.4 million has been donated by Teck for this program since 2010.
“The philosophy behind the program is that youth, when faced with problems, will go to friends before they go to adults or service providers,” said Michelle Woods, Co-Founder and former Program Coordinator, Youth Leaders Program. “Peer influence is the most effective instructional strategy for the Alaska Native population.”
History of the Program
In 2008, the NWABSD established the Youth Leaders Program to combat high rates of student suicide in the Northwest Arctic Borough. The program has seen tremendous success, with the number of teen suicides in the borough decreasing from eight in 2008 to zero in each of the six years following.
“We are pleased to support a program that is proving to make a real difference in the lives of youth in this region,” said Wayne Hall, Superintendent, Environment & Community Relations, Red Dog Operations. “These kids have the power to change the culture in their schools and villages by embodying the change they wish to see.”
Every school site has a Youth Leaders team that consists of 5 – 15 members who are selected each year by the students themselves. The selected youth leaders act as role models for the community and are made responsible for other youth at their schools. Each month, different Youth Leader teams around the district are required to host activities, which could range from doing the daily announcements at the school to facilitating fundraisers for the community.
Each year, there is a district-wide retreat where all members of each team are flown into Kotzebue for their yearly training. The team captains run workshops on topics such as anti-bullying, suicide prevention, student behavioural intervention, public speaking and service leadership. A high-energy atmosphere is created for the four-day retreat, where students learn what it means, and what it takes, to be a leader.
