a drug-free message to the five-year-olds.

PRIDE Pals, an elementary school branch of PRIDE Bermuda, is a drug-free youth group based at Francis Patton Primary School.

Primary 5 and 6 students are taught skills like conflict resolution, difference in drugs, gateway drugs and the consequences of drugs.

Programme instructor and Francis Patton guidance counsellor Ivena Laurnceo said: "We're hoping we can internalise these messages to take it to families and to the community.

"I think being in PRIDE Pals -- it helps you feel better about yourself. I have seen changes in children -- you just see them bloom.'' Ms Laurnceo said the field trip to Lyceum was part of a wider "community outreach,'' and she hopes to continue, with a trip to a resthome.

"Later on, I'm hoping to take them to a resthome to meet older people. Not so much for the drug message but as a way to develop them further.

"I think having that experience will help them and that they will grow to be instruments of good in the community.''