On January 9th and 10th, WFWP representatives were invited to Muscatel Middle School, Rosemead, CA, to present the Clean Slate abstinence program to over 100 7th grade science students.

Clean Slate is a project initiated by the US Department of Health and Human Services, and is now a WFWP project under the Marriage and Family focus. It offers educational programs on healthy relationships and provides youth with the relationship and character skills to have successful marriages and families. Through its character-based "Relationship Intelligence" education, Clean Slate is reducing risks to our youths’ wellbeing from the threats of AIDS, STD’s, teen pregnancy, drug/alcohol use and teen violence.

Ms. Priya D'Silva conducted the presentations with the support of the classroom teacher, Mrs. Amador, who has been instrumental in helping us bring the program to the school since 2008, by getting the school board approval.

Priya first explained to the kids what it means to be a leader–being a person of good character, having good discipline and self-control–and that leadership is not just telling others what to do, but being an example for others to follow. She then discussed the constructive and destructive things young people do to show that they are grown up, pointing out that the better way is by studying hard and setting their mind on their life's goals.

The students were very attentive and were able to be comfortable enough to ask questions they may not have asked if they felt they would be judged or ridiculed by their fellow students.

There are many more points covered and many lessons and examples to learn from. At the end of the program, students are encouraged to pledge to remain abstinent until they are mature enough and are ready to commit to a responsible relationship such as marriage. They are given a reminder band with the inscription "I am worth waiting for." These bands are hot items as it comes in different colors and students like to collect them.

It takes much longer than two days to present the program, as there is so much material to cover, but the classroom teacher has had enough training to be able to teach the rest of the curriculum after we leave. It's really wonderful to know that there are many teachers in the schools who totally support and appreciate what we are doing.

We are actively looking for funding to provide many more Clean Slate programs. If you know anyone who would like to help us fund these programs, please contact us.