Youths in North Down are learning more about what it takes to be a positive role model and leader in their community.
The 'Young Leaders Programme' was designed by DICE, specifically for those aged 14-16 to provide additional qualifications outside the exam hall for those who live in social housing areas.
Youths will be supported with education and training, and encouraged to make "more positive life choices that will result in them having a better future".
DICE is aimed at supporting the engagement, celebrating the potential and showcasing the achievements of young people from across the area.
Led by North Down Community Collective, along with community partners, the wider initiative works with young people in Bloomfield, Breezemount and Clandeboye.
DICE has teamed up with Community Sports Network in Belfast, who will be delivering a sports leaders qualification, a coaching badge and basic CPR training.
The participants met for the first time on Thursday night in Bangor.
Caitlin Ginley, Project Coordinator, said the leadership project is important as "such an emphasis" is put on qualifications at school and grades, when these people are generally from "low income families who may not attend grammar schools".
She believes sometimes young people are judged because of where they come from.
Caitlin told Belfast Live: "We have people from all walks of lives, but feel it is so important to give people an additional opportunity to get some qualifications, life skills and confidence.
"They have such great personalities, are great craic, so we are trying to hone in on those skills and hopefully get them to volunteer for us in the future. We want the younger generation to say, 'Oh I want to do that'.
"We hope that after the eight weeks, the young people will have a better understanding of what a positive role model should be, and how they can contribute to society and their community.
"The ultimate goal would be for the young people to volunteer at the youth clubs in the near future with their new skills and there will be opportunities for further development.
"The programme also involves young people working in small groups and starting to lead mini sessions. This will be a huge part of character building, as well as raising confidence and self-esteem."
Caitlin said it is important for the young people to be positive role models, and that the programme provides an opportunity they otherwise wouldn't have had.
She said: "I think with what is going on at the minute, drugs and alcohol, everything is much more accessible now, I think certain communities do represent negative ways to behave. They need to take ownership of their own lives.
"They need to be able to express who they really are."
There are also plans to offer an OCN in youth work for the participants.
For more information contact diceconnections@ndcn.co.uk.
