Hearing about the consequences of making the wrong choices in life ? directly from prisoners serving long jail terms or reformed gang members ? is part of a Bermudian youth programme which organisers say gives worldly insight to teenagers and shows them what positive choices they can make instead.

For the past eight months a group of 13- to 17-year-olds have devoted free time to learning about, and working with, the Police, Bermuda Regiment, Corrections department and a number of abuse, anger management and other community-based services.

During that time they have met face-to-face with convicted murderers at Westgate prison and next week they will be in New Jersey to gain a US perspective.

The Hands-On youth programme is now in its fifth year and takes a group of 30 teenagers from all backgrounds and gives them a chance to be involved with the emergency services, the military and a range of community groups that work in the areas of physical abuse and anger management.

The aim of exposing young people to the positive and negative sides of society is to show them how they can avoid making bad choices and instead develop themselves towards rewarding careers, said co-ordinator Eugene Vickers. ?This is a troubled time for many kids of this age, with things like gangs and turf,? he said.

The folly of such choices is laid bare by speaking to prisoners, reformed gang members or those seeking help through abuse courses. While the other side of the coin the positive contributions and careers that can be gained through the likes of the Police and Fire services, Department of Corrections, Customs department, St. John Ambulance Brigade and the Regiment are learned about through sessions working with those involved.

From his own observations and from the testaments of parents Mr. Vickers knows the Hands-On programme, which is part of the Community Education and Development Programme, instils positive changes in those who join and commit to the full 70 hours of activities between September and April each year.

?It gives them confidence in themselves and leadership and belief they can be someone and do something. It gives them a positive mind frame about what they want to be and how to develop into that person,? said Mr. Vickers. ?It is fantastic to see them come together. The aim is to give them a full insight into what the world is about, and giving them a opportunity for a new life. Some of them have previously no direction in life.?

Those who have completed all the sessions were given their awards by Community Affairs Minister Dale Butler at Hamilton Fire Station on Thursday night. Today the youngsters will fly to New Jersey to link up with Police gang expert Sgt. Delacey Davis and experience a week of visits and activities, looking into black history, leadership, meeting reformed gang leaders, visiting the tough Essex County Jail and youth detention centre, visiting colleges, churches and neighbourhoods including New York?s Harlem.