Twelve children have been going out into the community so that they can be exposed to all walks of life.

The "After School Adventure'' is the latest initiative in the Family Learning Centre's bid to provide assistance to youngsters who are dealing with a "whole spectrum of issues'', ranging from learning disabilities to family conflicts and social stresses.

Designed to expose children aged nine to 13 to a wide variety of healthy lifestyles, it began in September and caters to 12 past and present clients of the Centre.

After School Adventure assistant director Peter Carey described the programme as a "learning experience which utilises a combination of community services and nature-based activities''.

And Mr. Carey added that, by involving the children in such daily opportunities, they can get exposure to new ideas, skills and people.

The children take part in various after-school activities including team games, farm visits, gardening, animal care and community service projects.

Mr. Carey said: "The children have participated in Keep Bermuda Beautiful clean-ups, helped at a goat farm, planted flowers at the Botanical Gardens, and worked at Windreach Recreational Village and at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital Extended Care Unit.

"They visited the ECU to help them enrich and strengthen the bonds between the young and old.

"Intergenerational activities provide nurturing to both the young and old.

Elders have a lot of time on their hands and have a lot of experience they can share with the young.'' Mr. Carey explained that the youngsters who take part in community services receive a great sense of social spirit and pride.

He said: "They then become more willing to participate in family and school activities as well.

"The children in the programme are now more than willing to volunteer at any group or organisation that needs it.

"Building self-esteem and a healthy lifestyle is a combination of responsibility and fun. This programme combines those elements to create an experience which the children will always remember and take pride in.'' The programme is seen by the Family Learning Centre as one step in the process of releases its young clients from the Centre's educational and clinical services.

"They are able to retain the umbilical cord of support without having to be heavily involved in the whole service,'' he said. "We're helping to push them out of the nest, so to speak.

"As children progress through Family Learning Centre services, such activities provide a positive way to remain involved while reducing more intensive services.

"Enrichment activities are a vital part of health. The goal of the programme is to learn about the many healthy lifestyle choices available to children in Bermuda.'' BRIDGING THE GENERATION GAP -- Students from the Family Learning Centre's After School Adventure programme spend some time with a patient at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital Extended Care Unit.