Cheers and tears erupted as the first graduates of the Mirrors intense residential programme ran into the Berkeley Institute auditorium on Saturday.

More than 300 members of the public attended the homecoming event for the 37 teenagers who completed the life affirming residential programme of the programme.

Mirrors is not a boot camp, but instead offers the hand up that at-risk teenagers need, say those committed to the programme.

As they took to the stage the teenagers — whom The Royal Gazette has chosen not to name — discussed problems they have had with family members and at school more than the years.

"From day one I said I didn't want to be here but this is the best thing Bermuda has ever done for its youth," one young man said. "This programme was the most difficult thing I have done but it has changed my life."

"I was always told I wasn't good enough," another young man said, choking back tears. "But this programme taught me I was and that I can't change what has happened but I can change my attitude.

"We learned that 'it is what it is' but that I can do anything I put my mind to. These people are my family now and I don't know what I would do without them."

Another young man explained that the six-day residential programme, which saw students stay at Willowbank Hotel while they worked through their issues, was intense and involved a minimum of 59 hours of course room time. In particular, he spoke of the commitment of the volunteers and Mark Charley, CEO of Uncommon Results, who helped run the first programme.

"And let me tell you Mark, he can make anyone cry," the teenager said. "He can have a grown man talking about his family and running down the street crying. It has been an emotional week but it is the best thing I have ever done. Mark showed me I can be someone and be a leader of this country."

"This programme really made me see what life was about," another teenager added. "It taught me to show respect to adults and how to carry myself as a young man. I am now rededicating myself to my country as a new and improved young man and I will make something of myself.

"And I just wanted to say to my Dad, I know we have been through a lot of stuff but that is all in the past and I love you."

Dale Butler, whose Ministry of Social Rehabilitation is responsible for the programme, said he was pleased that the Mirrors Programme was finally in place. He explained that Premier Ewart Brown had recommended the programme several times since 1998.

"The minute he became Premier, he told me to bring the programme to the Island." he said. "And it has been amazing, we have had so many volunteers offer their time and services and you can see it is working from the people here today."

Dr. Brown, who greeted many of the teenagers with a hug, encouraged them to continue with their progress: "Take advantage of the opportunity you have been given and most of all realise that you are responsible for yourselves. I do not know what the future will hold, but I do know that those of you here tonight hold the future in your hands."