Paintings of the Virgin Mary, sketches of skulls, and drawings of scenery line the walls at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity in Valletta, where an exhibition by young inmates has been put up.

“I feel this is a learning opportunity and I’m trying not to lose out on such opportunities,” one inmate wrote in a message written on the wall alongside the exhibited works.

Another young inmate shared his thoughts: “This was a year during which I could be very creative.

“I knew I could work within a team but I realised that I am capable of giving more than I thought I could.”

Others expressed themselves in poetry and their verses can be read while visiting the exhibition, entitled Żveljarin bla Ħin (An alarm clock that shows no time).

It was organised by the Young Offenders Unit of Rehabilitation Services (YOURS) within the Corradino Correctional Facility.

More than 30 young inmates took part and displayed their creative skills.

This is the second such exhibition set up since the project – aimed at encouraging inmates to express themselves through art – was launched in October last year. The exhibition will go on until September 22.