THE PUBLIC MIND: PROJECT CHARLIE HAS PROVED A WORTHWILE EXPERIENCE

To the Editor:

Once a week I have the privilege of spending 30 minutes with a class of second graders at St. Vincent de Paul School. Working from a comprehensive curriculum guide, my partner and I have had discussions with these 7- and 8-year olds in four areas: 1) self-awareness feelings and how to handle them, recognizing our uniqueness and celebrating it; 2) relationships what is a friend, different kinds of families, recognizing the uniqueness of others; 3) decision making skills values, peer pressure, how to say no assertively; and 4) limited drug information. We use a variety of activities suggested in our guide including stories, films, role-playing and games to stimulate our discussions.

All of our activities are centered around the theory that Chemical Abuse Resolution Lies In Education CHARLIE. That's right. Project Charlie. As a mental health nurse, I've always felt that working towards prevention was a more sound approach than attempting to rehabilitate once a problem had developed. When Project Charlie came to Cape I knew it was time to put my money where my mouth is and give it a try.

Three years later I'm still trying each week to do my best. I'm considering adding a second half hour each week at a different school because I believe so strongly that Project Charlie is on the right track.

Project Charlie originators investigated and found that certain factors lead to greater potential for substance abuse. These factors were identified as low self-esteem, poor decision making skills, boredom and curiosity, lack of healthy relationships, inability to deal with peer pressure and lack of drug information. The curriculum was written to address these factors and I feel it does an excellent job.

Our objective during Project Charlie are to equip the kids with the social skills necessary to cope with the internal and external pressures to use drugs; to enhance self-esteem and self-awareness; and to increase knowledge of the harmful consequences of chemical use. The curriculum sets up successful strategies to attain these objectives. It's such a thrill to watch these kids develop and apply new skills.

If you agree that prevention is preferable to rehabilitation, then you can do your part. Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, are the training dates for new Project Charlie facilitators who could begin in the classroom next fall. The training itself was a wonderful experience and the curriculum guide tells you all you need to know to do an A-1 job. Your time commitment is minimal a half-hour a week arranged to the mutual convenience of you and the classroom teacher. Many of the facilitators at St. Vincents use lunch hour time once a week.

Project Charlie is in all the Cape and Jackson schools but needs to grow to replenish and add facilitators to meet the need. Do yourselves and all of our children a favor get involved, Call 334-1023 or 243-7778 for more information to sign up for training. I'm sure you'll be glad you did. I know I am.

Barbara Ford

Cape Girardeau