businesses, the Government and the community at large, for assistance.

Clevelyn Simmons has told The Royal Gazette that a budget of $500,000 was submitted to Government back in January, but that they have heard nothing since.

"We operate from hand to mouth here,'' Mr. Simmons said. "We all make sacrifices. I will go a few weeks without. Then Dennis Bean will go for a few weeks. It's always somebody.'' The programme, which allows ex-prisoners and work-release prisoners to learn a skill in order to obtain other gainful employment, is in such dire straits that organisers have sought help from many local businesses.

"We are waiting to hear back from Burland Conyers & Marirea and some other businesses that we asked for help with supplies,'' Mr. Simmons said.

A Community Awareness Campaign is slated to begin on April 10 and operate for a whole month.

"The campaign will kick off with a live auction on Bermuda Broadcasting on April 10,'' Mr. Simmons explained.

"We will auction many items made here at the Wood Shop and at prison, like picture frames, a table, cedar doors, a dresser, and some sculpture. People will also be able to place orders for items. In addition, many items have been donated and will include, paintings and furniture.

"Our aim is to raise $20,000 in this auction, but we would really like it to go as high as $75,000 to $100,000'.' Students from Bermuda Institute spent the afternoon yesterday at the east end facility.

"They were given a hands-on introduction to what we do here at the Wood Shop,'' Mr. Simmons said. "They weeded the garden, cleaned up the workshop, saw our plumbing, electrical and carpentry departments. They also had a presentation from Gina Spence of CADA (Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse).'' The students, aged between 12 and 14 years, were in direct contact with ex-prisoners who were at the facility and with two prisoners who were on a work-release programme.

Mr. Simmons was quick to point out that recently-released child killer Chesterfield Johnson was not present when the students were there.

Other groups of youngsters are expected to visit and tour the Wood Shop in April. A group from Observatory Cottage is already lined up.

Minister for Public Safety Paula Cox and Health Minister Nelson Bascome are scheduled to take their tours in late April.