Young people from across the Island took part in a two-day conference aimed at empowerment and reducing violence.

The event, held at Dellwood Middle School by PRIDE Bermuda (Parent Resource Institute for Drug Education), attracted 50 students between years P5-M3.

Guest speakers included Javier Sanchez and Shaun Derik from Reach Connections Inc., New York, who also ran several performing arts workshops.

Samantha Smith, PRIDE youth project coordinator, said: "The students had a lot of fun but the conference also had a serious message as we discussed the issue of violence and possible solutions for our young people."

The students marched to the Senate building yesterday morning to present Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler with a list of their ideas for reducing youth violence.

Miss Smith said: "Mr. Butler said he would look at the ideas to see which ones could be acted on and which ones could also be worked on. He congratulated the young people for being part of the process.

"The whole conference was about advocacy and making a difference, about letting young people know they have a voice. It was very successful."

Yesterday afternoon, the mood became more light-hearted as students took part in spray painting, fun tattoos, toilet bowl racing, fun castles, and karaoke with Dennis Parsons.

PRIDE Bermuda is a charity which focuses on drug prevention but also aims to promote healthy lifestyles.