Traditional Bermuda kites will never be completely replaced by cheap plastic knock-offs if a group of prisoners from the Westgate Correctional Facility have anything to do with it.

In the run-up to Easter, a small group of men from Westgate have been visiting schools around the Island to show students how to make traditional Bermuda kites. Their programme is known as 'Kites R Us'.

Shanika Smith, a friend of one of the prisoners who thought up the idea, Peiko Furbert, arranges the school visits, and kite sales.

"This has been going on since 2005, but it is really growing. Last year, I think they went to two schools, and this year they went to at least eight schools. There was a good line up this year."

She said when she first started contacting schools there was no reluctance on the part of the educators.

"They were very excited about it," she said. "It is something positive for both the kids and the prisoners. They thought it was a good thing to show the kids that would help keep a tradition alive."

Usually, two men from Westgate visit the school children. They show them how to make kites, and they also give them a booklet with step-by-step instructions.

The men themselves learned how to make kites through their own parents and grandparents.

"It was something they already knew," said Ms Smith. "Coming up you learn from someone how to string a kite. It wasn't a course they put in place at Westgate."

Ms Smith said last year, she went personally to see the programme in action at T.N. Tatem Middle School.

"The children were very excited about the kite making," she said. "They had the chance to win a kite. I think it must have a good effect on the prisoners, also. It is something positive for them to do. Sometimes, just getting that positive feedback keeps them motivated."

As part of 'Kites R Us', prisoners at Westgate also make kites and sell them for charity. Unfortunately, because of the recent bad weather they weren't as frequently available for sale. But today, they will be sold on Trimingham Hill, in Paget, and on Palmetto Road, in Pembroke. They are also available in some stores.

The money raised will go towards helping Haiti, Sunshine League and PALS cancer charity.

Kites are selling for $35 to $50. Special Haiti kites which display praying hands, are selling for $45.

"I think the prisoners were concerned about what was going on in Haiti," said Ms Smith. "I think many people in Bermuda were concerned. People on the Island were going down to Haiti, so the prisoners wanted to do their part also."

Kites for sale include many popular themes including Spider Man, Tweety Bird, Dora, and Elmo.

There are some with Easter bunnies, and Easter lilies, and others with Sponge Bob, Michael Jackson and Abby Caddaby.

"One of their most popular kites includes an image of Bob Marley," said Ms Smith. "I just encourage people to come out and support the prisoners for doing something positive."

Those who would like to order a kite, but can't make it to the designated sales areas, can telephone Ms Smith at 333-1589.