The Family Learning Centre is anxious to meet the HWP Community Challenge of raising $35,000 during Monday's Save the Children Telethon (ZBM, 8 p.m. to midnight).

The reward - a Daihatsu Hi-Jet van courtesy of the HWP Group!

The Telethon will be the final activity in a week-long series of fundraising and awareness-building initiatives by the Centre, including a sponsored walk, art exhibition, donor reception and raffle, and is being held on the eve of the internationally celebrated Universal Day of the Child.

Viewers are invited to give a child a helping hand by pledging a donation at 295-2001 or online at www.children.bm; making a deposit to the Save the Children Fund at any branch of the Bank of Butterfield or Bank of Bermuda or by calling the Family Learning Centre at the Stables on Reid Street or at ZBM.

Viewers will be encouraged to "see the world through the eyes of a child". The event will combine educational pieces about the work and role of the Family Learning Centre, with youth drama and dance performances, plus interviews with children and comments made by them to staff members that reveal the ways in which they see the world.

The pieces will explore some of the issues and challenges children face in today's society and provide unique insights into the priorities and concerns of the younger generation.

These pieces are incredibly powerful," stated executive director of the Family Learning Centre, Martha Dismont.

"So often adults assume they know what's going on in a child's head, but unless they have a healthy relationship with their children and can discuss things openly with them, they really haven't a clue!

"We're going to be asking the sort of questions we ask children who come to the Centre, questions like `why do you think people act like bullies', `how do you know if someone's `cool' or `what do adults learn from children?'

"We'll also be asking some fun questions too, like `where does food come from?' or `what do you want to be when you grow up?' You'd be amazed at some of the answers you get!"

In keeping with the theme, the Telethon will also show how child-like behaviour such as playing, laughing and even crying, is good for adults too. Highlights of the evening will include BTC's Corporate Jelly Bean Challenge with companies being challenged to match or beat a record $4,000 donation by BTC. The one which donates the most will win an enormous jar of jellybeans.

HWP has also issued the HWP Community Challenge in which they have offered to donate a Daihatsu Hi-Jet van to the Family Learning Centre if $35,000 is raised during the Telethon. Businesses, churches, school and community groups are encouraged to get involved in similar activities or challenges to raise funds for the Telethon and can contact the Family Learning Centre for ideas.

The line-up during the evening includes performances by vocalist Cia Spence, Bermuda African Dance Company, Septimus, In Motion School of Dance, musicians from the Bermuda Music School, Erica Martin, Gina Spence Productions in Christ (dance performance), Janea Smith, saxophonist Aaron Daniels, Stephanie Pacheco and comedians Nadanjah and Jah.

Additionally, Cable and Wireless has generously donated a gift expected to generate widespread interest both here and abroad - a 2000 series cricket bat used during the last home series by the West Indies team (the last series game played by Curtly Ambrose) which has been signed by the entire team. The first 100 individuals who pledge $100 or more will be eligible and entered in the draw to determine the winner.

"Every cent someone donates helps make a difference in the life of a child in need in Bermuda," said Ms Dismont.

"Our children are our future and I encourage everyone to tune in to ZBM on Monday and pledge their support.

"The Family Learning Centre would like to acknowledge the support of the Bermuda Broadcasting Corporation and the generous sponsors for this event, including the Bermuda Telephone Company."