City of Columbia to host National Youth Violence Prevention Week activities
April 1, 2016
In recognition of National Youth Violence Prevention Week, the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department and the Columbia Police Department have partnered to host a series of youth violence prevention activities from April 3-8, 2016.
National Youth Violence Prevention Week is held in order to raise awareness and educate students, teachers, school administrators and staff, school resource officers, parents and the public about effective ways to prevent and reduce youth violence. Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine initiated the City’s involvement with National Youth Violence Prevention Week approximately a decade ago.
Various planned activities will demonstrate the positive role young people can have in making their schools and communities safer. All events are free and open to the public. Youth, adults, parents, mentors and youth leaders are encouraged to attend.
Schedule of Events:
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Sunday, April 3, 2016
Praise Fest for Peace – Local Artists/Performers
Dutch Square, 421 Bush River Road
4-6 p.m.
Local choirs, praise dance/mime ministries and more will perform.
Monday, April 4, 2016
Youth Violence Prevention Expo– Various Agencies and Organizations
Dutch Square, 421 Bush River Road
6-8 p.m.
Agencies and organizations will be on hand to provide information on a variety of programs, resources, activities and events that will assist youth in making better life choices.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Know Your Rights – Columbia Police Department
Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue
6-8 p.m.
Officers with the Columbia Police Department will provide useful tips on interacting with the police and understanding your rights.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Operation R.I.S.K. (Rescuing Inner City Students and Kids) – Columbia Police Department
City Hall, 1737 Main Street
6-8 p.m.
Operation R.I.S.K. (Rescuing Inner City Students and Kids) is a proactive, educational and reality-based youth program that is designed to help deter youths ages 11-16 from criminal behavior or association. The goal of Operation R.I.S.K. is to educate youth on the importance of making right decisions, and the potential consequences they can face as a result. This program also gives parents an effective alternative in helping their child become responsible and productive members of society.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
The Aftermath of Youth Violence – Panel of Experts
Earlewood Park Community Center, 1113 Parkside Drive
6-8 p.m.
A panel discussion for youth and adults to ask questions about the effects that youth violence has had on their lives and families.
Friday, April 8, 2016
Hoops for Peace – Columbia Police Department
Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Avenue
6-9 p.m.
The Columbia Police Department will team up with area youth for an evening of basketball fun. Participants will compete against one another in a three-point contest, a half-court contest, skills challenge, free throw contest and basketball game.
For more information, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 803-545-3100 or visit www.columbiasc.net.
