A recent event at Abbotsford Traditional Secondary highlighted an anti-gang initiative started by a Grade 12 student.
Jaskamal Khela began the project after reading an article about a victim of gang violence. She then approached her principal and vice-principal.
Khela was disturbed by the notion that the family thought the Abbotsford Police Department had not done enough for the individual or the situation, and she felt compelled to do something at her school.
Khela launched Titans Against Gangs (TAG) with the recognition that gang violence is a community and Lower Mainland issue.
The result was a TAG event held on May 17, which began with the school-wide distribution of T-shirts and the opportunity for students to make a personal pledge to healthy life choices.
An “End Gang Life” assembly was presented by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit and was followed by lunch and the Positive Choices and Community Connections Expo.
Mayor Henry Braun concluded the assembly by challenging students and staff to continue to work hard to make a difference in the community.
Several community agencies took part in the event, including the Abbotsford Police Department, Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service, Correctional Service Canada, Canadian Forces, the school district, BC Ambulance, the City of Abbotsford and several more.
“It was our hope that by including so many varied types of community connections, our students would find the opportunity to see what role these organizations play in the community, what opportunities there may be for them as future employees, and to network with positive peer and adult influences and potentially carry on to make constructive, healthy life choices,” said principal Glen Hildebrand.
