Babe's World

PROGRAM FIGHTS DRUG ABUSE

Youths Learn To Assert Themselves And Not To Give in

LUMBERTON -- A new program at Rowland Norment Elementary School is helping
students build self-esteem while learning about the dangers of substance abuse.

The program, "Babe's World," teaches children about drugs and emphasizes
the importance of being unique.

The four-month program is taught by representatives of local community
service agencies.

Robeson Health Care, Southeastern Family Violence Center, Robeson
Enterprise Community Development Corp. and Project Liftoff are sponsoring
the program.

Jane McMillan, Project Liftoff youth coordinator, said Babe's targets
younger children.

"We feel it's important to instill in them early that it's OK to say no
when it comes to peer pressure and that your uniqueness is what makes you
special," McMillan said.

Puppets were used to demonstrate how drugs and alcohol destroys a person's
life and how to identify "good touches from bad touches."

"The program also showed the children how to deal with their feelings,"
McMillan said. "They learned not to keep their feelings inside, and when
they are faced with a confrontation, sometimes the best thing to do is walk
away."

The puppets help students get the message the program is trying to send,
McMillan said.

"They identify with the puppets," she said. "We couldn't have picked a more
perfect thing to use."

McMillan often asks students to look into an imaginary mirror. The exercise
helps build self-esteem, she said.

"Look in the mirror and remember that you are special despite the
differences among your classmates," she said.

Understanding Alcohol

On Tuesday, McMillan talked to students about what they learned from the
program.

Jonathan Smith, a preschooler, stood in front of his classmates and
explained how alcohol destroyed Recovering Reggie's life. Recovering Reggie
is one of the puppets in Babe's World.

"He lost his family and his job," Jonathan said.

There are plans to expand the program to include other schools in Robeson
County, McMillan said. Health departments and other agencies have inquired
about joining the program.

"The past four months has been trial and error, but we have learned a lot
right along with the kids," she said.

Rowland Norment Principal Melbert Lowry said the program complements one of
the school's missions.

"Our mission statement states every child is somebody, and this is a very
positive interactive program," she said. "They have developed a positive
attitude about themselves and recognize their unique differences."

Said Lowry, "All the children involved in the program felt they were a
worthy person," she said. "It has really been a good experience for Rowland
Norment."