Pembroke West candidate Rodney Smith plans to meet with young people who hang out in the area and listen to their concerns.

Mr. Smith -- who will represent the Progressive Labour Party in a by-election to fill the seat of retired United Bermuda Party MP Clarence Terceira -- yesterday said he believed that such a meeting would help to "provide solutions for the alienation that youth currently feel''.

"I also believe we must find creative solutions to increase their involvement in all aspects of our society,'' he stated in a one-page press release.

Mr. Smith has suggested that the elderly visit schools to help young people develop an appreciation of their heritage.

Through the programme, known in the US as "The Grandparents in School Today'', the elderly are able to share their advice and wisdom with youngsters.

"It would be a welcome tonic for Bermuda's young people who often do not have the benefit of having a senior to talk to or to give advice,'' Mr. Smith said.

The proposal met with general support from educators and another politician, although all noted the existence of similar informal programmes.

Yesterday, Acting Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Education Maxine Esdaille said: "There are a number of schools that have informal programmes with seniors and grandparents -- like reading instruction. But a system wide programme is not mandated by the Ministry.'' "Some schools do have grandparents days, while others visit the extended care unit at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and rest homes where young people do come in contact with seniors,'' she added. While Mr. Smith's proposal appeared to be reasonable, Ms Esdaille explained that any such programme "may have to be registered at the Ministry, depending on what level of involvement or organisation''.

Meanwhile, former National Liberal Party Southampton West candidate Raymond Whitecross pointed out that such programmes are not new.