MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Marine Corps recently adopted a program designed to educate children on the dangers of drugs.
The Drug Education For Youth program, which focuses on 9 to 12 year olds, has been a part of the Department of Defense for the past eight years.
According to the DEFY Web site, www.hq.navy.mil/defy, it is a self-esteem building program that provides kids with the tools they need to resist drugs, gangs and alcohol. In essence, the DEFY program provides leadership to kids and thereby strengthens our military communities.
Even though the program is aimed toward helping children, officials stress that doesn't limit the participation of adults.
"The DEFY program also encourages military or civilians over the age of 18 to sign up at the Youth Center to become a mentor," said Staff Sgt. Jimmie L. Poole, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron S-3 Training chief and DEFY assistant coordinator. "Mentors will be able to help educate youth about drugs and why to avoid them despite the circumstance."
According to Poole, being a mentor also gives children another friend to communicate and create a bond with.
"Children will now have someone to talk with in case they don't feel comfortable speaking with their parents. This way they can guide the children on how to address it," said Poole.
For mentors, this is also a time to give younger children an example of some of the goals they should strive for when they get older.
The Web site also stated that DEFY focuses on building youngsters' self-image and setting goals. It stresses interpersonal relations and emphasizes leadership and teamwork. Along the way it raises awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs.
In addition to offering guidance to children, the program offers many activities free of charge to both the mentors and kids.
Some of the activities include trips to the Kintai Bridge, swimming and bowling and doing community service activities in the local area.
"The children will be able to give something back to the community by volunteering for various events that we help out with. For example, Toys for Tots and feeding the homeless on Thanksgiving Day."
Poole said in order to keep the kids involved and the program going, an adequate amount of mentors is needed. But because of constant permanent change of station moves, finding mentors has been difficult.
"Having mentors is a constant worry because of the amount of Marines that PCS out of the Station. At times we either have too many mentors, or we come up short," said Poole.
He added that having mentors is an important tool in developing strong, drug-free children and suggests new residents aboard the Station sign up for the program.
"This way the children can develop a relationship with the mentor and have earned their trust to have an impact on their life," said Poole.