WHEN a young person is sent to prison, their chances of employment and travel are affected.
These are words of Really Make A Difference (MAD) programs co-ordinator Stuart Yagomate.
MAD began a three-month probation program for five of 16 youths who have been on the wrong side of the law. Ravuama Rainima, 19, wanted to start with a clean slate.
At the age of 17, he was charged with aggravated robbery and was bound over for three years.
"I hope to clear more about what can be done now," he said.
"I have a bad record and I want to learn what I can do to change and make it clean."
The young man from Yasawa-i-rara said he regretted his actions as his bound-over period nears completion.
"The time I spent in remand, I could have spent doing my school work," Ravuama said.
"I was a student at Lelean Memorial School back then."
MAD is working in partnership with the Ministry of Social Welfare.
Mr Yagomate said he believed that all young people had the potential to achieve bigger things.
"Today is a bonding program for those living in the Suva area and next week we will work with those in the Nasinu and Nausori areas," Mr Yagomate said.
"They have been convicted of crimes like assault, theft to aggravated robbery.
"All young people have the potential of achieving bigger things and it's not about the education you have, your race or gender."