Graduates of the Mirrors programme yesterday explained how the initiative changed their lives for the better.

Speaking at a press conference, Cory Curtis, Catarina Correia, Quincy Trott, El Smith and Allafia Butterfield said the programme has helped to turn their lives around.

Mr. Curtis, a 19-year-old plumber, said: "I would just like to say that the Mirrors programme is for people who want to make a change in their lives. Mirrors serves as a gate for those who notice that there are some things that happened in their lives that's not benefiting them.

"What I would have gotten is that I have always had a choice. I can decide whether I like those choices or not. Mirrors has impacted my life in a huge way by teaching me to stand as a man on my own two feet. I know that I can be successful no matter what the circumstances."

Miss Correia,18, said the programme was challenging for her.

"At first, it was hard to open up to a stranger. I love the fact that I had a volunteer because if I couldn't turn to a friend or family member, I could turn to them. This programme taught me about responsibility, commitment and choice. Choice is a decision I make in my every day life. It's up to me to handle my decisions."

Mr. Trott said the programme has helped him to be successful.

He is now a student intern for Mirrors and is a student at Bermuda College studying computer programming.

"Mirrors has helped me put myself on a path of success. I have taken all that I have learnt from the programme and used it in my every day life."

Mr. Smith, 23, works for Riddle Bay Golf Course and said: "Mirrors taught me that regardless of what happens in daily life, I cannot be a result of my circumstances. There are some people who live in a dream world and there are some who face reality. And there are some who combine them both."

Mr. Butterfield, an 18-year-old student said the programme helped him and thanked the staff.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister Neletha Butterfield appealed for volunteers for the June cycles of the programme.

It has been extended to include males ages 19 to 24.

She said: "This is a critical time for all residents in Bermuda because some of our young people are in desperate need of our support. Recent events in our community must serve as a wake-up call that we can no longer afford to stand on the sidelines saying something must be done.

"The problems we face must not be dismissed as a Government or police concern but must rather be a concern for all Bermudians and residents. The time is now for us to ask the question, 'what can I do to help?'.

l Those interested should contact the Mirrors office at 294-9291 or e-mail mirrors@gov.bm.