Local school district launches new program to stop gangs from recruiting elementary school kids

ATLANTA — Atlanta Public Schools launched a new gang prevention program aimed towards stopping gangs from trying to recruit elementary school kids.

Channel 2′s Larry Spruill asked Officer Ashlei Ellis with the Atlanta Public Schools Police about the program and whether gang members were recruiting at a younger age.

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“They are, they are. They’re recruiting younger and younger, especially kids who are too young to go to jail,” said Ellis.

That’s the main reason why Ellis is teaching a gang prevention program called GREAT. It stands for “Gangs, Resistance, Education and Training,” said the students.

Channel 2 Action News got an exclusive look at how the program works at Beecher Hills Elementary School. Ellis asked students a few questions.

“Here at Beecher Hills, when we wear our blue shirts, are we in a gang? (No) why are not in a gang? (Because we’re not breaking the laws.) Absolutely,” said Ellis.

The program also addressed bullying and communicating with those they trust.

Channel 2 Action News has reported on gang related violence in Metro Atlanta. Last November, 12-year old Zyion Charles and 15-year old Cameron Jackson were shot and killed near Atlantic Station.

In March, 14-year old Ajanaye Hill and 15-year old Samuel Moon were shot to death at a ‘Sweet 16′ party in Douglas County.

Police said both shootings were gang related. Ellis said that’s why she’s trying to reach these kids, before the gangs do.

“A lot of people might get tricked into being in gangs. They might get threatened or they might not even know what’s going on. So, it’s very important to know and see the signs of being in a gang,” said 5th grader Leigha Vogel Troupe.

Another student said she participated in other programs to learn how to protect herself.

“I participated in the GREAT Program and learn how to protect myself from it,” said 5th grader Alani Mitchell.

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“Certain things can happen if you don’t teach it at a young age, because if it doesn’t sink into your brain now, it can happen when you’re older,” said 5th grader Ayira Middleton.

Right now, more than 400 students have gone through the program and it’s in seven elementary schools.

There are plans to expand the program to middle schools as well.

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