youngsters about nutrition, diabetes and drug prevention.

The programme, now in its seventh year, is sponsored by the Diabetes Association and the National Drug Strategy who have worked as a team with the Health Department, the Diabetes Education Centre and the Fitness Firm to show the importance of exercise and good nutrition.

This year's Youth to Youth theme is health and exercise, which includes teaching youngsters about the growing diabetes epidemic.

The programme, which is geared towards kids from 13 to 18-years-old, is based on four principles: personal growth, drugs information, environmental change and drug free alternatives.

Youth to Youth leader Mr. Malik Showers said: "We're not just a just say no group, we attempt to address other issues facing teens starting from negative peer pressure to teen pregnancy.'' Joining the Bermuda Youth to Youth group are two groups from New Jersey who arrived in Bermuda on Wednesday to take part.

The conference began on Thursday with an opening ceremony with dignitaries, international foods and dancers.

Coordinator of Youth to Youth and National Drug Strategy worker Mrs. Althea Overbey said: "We have had a good response towards the Youth to Youth convention.

"Our aim is to give the kids a good, strong educational grounding on what Youth to Youth is all about.

"We want to empower young people to go back in the community and make a difference.'' President of the Bermuda Diabetes Association Mrs. Barbara Willis said: "Exercise and good nutrition are a vital part of a healthy lifestyle helping to prevent such diseases as diabetes.'' Volunteers from the community came together to conduct workshops for the kids encouraging them to learn about nutrition and take part in different activities.

One of the workshops held titled "A Touch of Sugar'' was conducted by Diabetic Centre coordinator Mrs. Debbie Jones and dietitian Mrs. Cathy Schoeberger.

They taught the kids about the right foods to eat and the importance of keeping healthy to prevent developing diabetes.

Another workshop, titled "Boys Two Men'', was conducted by Dr. Charles Dyer and former MP Mr. Austin Thomas.

In the all-male group, Dr. Dyer and Mr. Thomas told of their struggles in life to get them where they are today.

In hopes of motivating the young men, Mr. Thomas said: "It wasn't easy, but we had to apply ourselves to achieve.

"You can't lay back you have to fight for what you want in life, and if you do (fight) you won't be a failure. Nothing worthwhile comes easy.'' Dr. Dyer added: "Nothing falls in your lap.'' After the conversation 16-year-old Wolde' Maxwell said he "learned that education has its ups and downs but you can also have fun with it and be serious''.

"They -- Mr. Thomas and Dr. Dyer-- have gone through a lot of experience and heartache to get where they are now, but if you work hard with education the outcome is a nice life.'' Yesterday the group also heard from guest speaker Ms. Lisa Ritchie, a personal fitness trainer and diabetic from New York.

Her aim was to motivate everyone to stay healthy through exercise and nutrition and teach the kids what diabetes was all about.

"A diabetic life style is good for everyone,'' Ms. Ritchie said,"Because you eat right and exercise.'' She added that she also tried to motivate kids telling them not to give up on their dreams no matter what obstacles come in their way.

Today in the conferences final day the group will hear from guest speaker Mr.

Mark Scharenbroich of the United States on what it takes to stay drug free.

Mr. Scharenbroich tours throughout the US lecturing teens.