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Children taught how to respond during difficult situations at community empowerment initiative

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — During a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Community Empowerment initiative, officials acted out real-life scenarios, putting children in difficult situations, and then teaching them how to respond.

The event on Friday was part of a youth seminar at New Covenant Bibleway Church in northwest Charlotte.

Different scenarios included drug dealers and bullying.

"When children know who they are and they know how to handle themselves, then they become better, productive citizens in our communities,” said Kamikka Williams, youth minister at New Covenant Bibleway Church.

Officials plan to host similar events in the coming days at several schools around Charlotte.