AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM TEACHES RIO ARRIBA CHILDREN HOW TO SAY NO

Seven-year-old twins Jessica and Jocelyn got a quick education in drug abuse
last year when their father died from a drug overdose.

Now they are learning about what drugs and alcohol can do to their bodies in
a 4-H after-school program that New Mexico State University's Cooperative
Extension Service offers at four Rio Arriba County elementary schools.

"I think there's a definite need for that," said Christina Hernandez, the
twins' mother. "The more education they get about drugs, the more it will
sink in. I wish more people around here would be educated about drugs."

In a county with a high rate of substance abuse and few options for
after-school care, 128 children in first through sixth grade are learning
early how to avoid the drug scenes that are so prevalent in their
communities.

Sophie Deaguero knows her oldest son, Peter Jr., was offered marijuana when
he was hanging out with older kids in town. The 11-year-old attends the
after-school program with his younger brother, and his two cousins, whom
Deaguero has cared for since her sister died.

"I think the program will help to show him right from wrong, that there is a
way to say no," Deaguero said. "They've all learned a lot from it so far."

Pre- and postprogram tests show that the students' knowledge about the
effects of drugs and alcohol has increased by an average of 17.5 percent,
according to Desaree Whitfield, program coordinator. The Department of
Health considers a 4 percent gain worthwhile, she said.

After the children took turns doing sit-ups one afternoon, they noisily
settled into their chairs to review a worksheet about how alcohol travels
through the body. The young ones eagerly began coloring different body parts
as the older students read what alcohol does to each body part.

"OK now, you have to remember that alcohol doesn't go through your body like
juice," said Ines Gutierrez, the after-school program teacher. "It damages a
lot of body parts, like your brain."

She asked the class of first- through sixth-graders, "In what ways are drugs
bad for you?"

Answers shot out across the Española classroom at Fairview Elementary. "You
could get sick."

"You could be at the chalkboard and won't be able to see what it says."

"You'll fail."

Children are enrolled in the free program on a first-come basis, rather than
targeting certain populations.

"We tend to think all kids are at risk," Whitfield said. "With the drug
abuse in this county, there are a lot of dysfunctional situations for a lot
of these kids."

Because the class openly discusses drug use, it allows some children to talk
about their fears when they see family members using drugs, according to
Vivian Martinez, a program teacher.

The three-year program, paid by a $750,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant,
educates children about health, diversity awareness, communication and
conflict resolution while offering time for recreation, homework and special
presentations in art, cooking or crafts.

"I like it when they talk about health and make recipes or invite people
over to make ristras," said Amber Martinez, a Fairview sixth-grader.

Deaguero appreciates help with homework her children get. The class also
shows children the importance of being a part of a community by donating
food to families or taking flowers to a nursing home.

There are 10 to 15 children waiting for open slots at most of the four sites
- - Hernández, Fairview, Ojo Caliente and Chama elementary schools.

The county extension office plans to reapply for funding to continue the
program after the grant money ends next year.