Project Charlie educates students on how to make good decisions

Children make choices every day. Their parents and mentors help them choose what to wear, what to eat and where to go.

But sometimes parents aren't as comfortable helping their young children make decisions about drugs and alcohol.

Volunteers are now taking on that responsibility in second- and fourth-grade classrooms all over Cape Girardeau.

Project Charlie, a national drug abuse prevention program, focuses on building self-esteem, teaching social competencies and discouraging the use of drugs.

Students at Blanchard, Franklin, Jefferson, Alma Schrader, Clippard and Nell Holcomb elementary schools meet weekly with Project Charlie volunteers to talk about choices they may have to make in the future. Nearly 700 students throughout Cape Girardeau will attend Project Charlie classes in the 2004-2005 school year.

Volunteer Bill Harkey believes the program's curriculum is important for children to learn. His family history includes individuals with addictive personalities and he believes that if one person can learn from his bad experiences, his service will have proved meaningful.

"For me, this information was never taught," Harkey said. "I still learn as I teach the Project Charlie material."

Lessons involve not putting others down, promoting self-esteem and dealing with emotions and peer pressure.

"The kids learn short- and long-term consequences," Harkey said. "The effect of a drug may make you feel good now but destroy you later."

Though the 30-minute classes only allow facilitators to hit the highlights, Harkey believes the program is wonderful.

"Kids think they're immortal," Harkey said, giving them the tools they need to make good decisions is important when abuse of illegal and prescription drugs is possible.

Sponsored by Excelsior Optimist Club of Cape Girardeau, the local Project Charlie organization consists of six board members and 20 classroom facilitators.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133