A UNIQUE scheme launched by PartnerRe will see students earn $20,000 for their schools as a result of charitable efforts.

'Dollars for Hours: Youth and Community in Partnership' will equally distribute $160,000 between eight secondary schools ? CedarBridge Academy, Saltus Grammar School, Somersfield Academy, the Berkeley Institute, the Bermuda High School for Girls, the Bermuda Institute, Warwick Academy and Mount St. Agnes Academy.

"We hope this project will touch schools, students and the whole Bermuda community in a direct way," said Patrick Thiele, chief executive officer of PartnerRe.

" 'Dollars for Hours' will raise awareness, nurture grassroots support and complete important projects for a wide range of charities. Students will have an opportunity to participate in an enriching experience and schools will receive welcomed funds. We feel it's a win-win-win situation for everyone involved."

The students, between the ages of 14 and 18, will participate in a range of projects ? from environmental schemes and health related initiatives to work with the mentally and physically disabled.

Charities benefiting from the new programme include the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Biological Station for Research, PRIDE, the Sunshine League Children's Home, the Bermuda Zoological Society, WindReach Recreational Village, Hope Homes and the Bermuda TB Cancer & Health Association.

Students are to complete tasks within one or two weekends ? approximately 12 to 24 hours of their time.

PartnerRe will cover the cost of materials and will co-ordinate a showcase for students to share their experiences on completion of the work.