Jewish Child's Day has joined forces with UJIA and youth movement Hanoar Hatzioni to launch a fast-track leadership programme for teenagers featuring a generous measure of Turkish delight.

Aimed at 16- and 17-year-olds, the nationwide programme will include monthly seminars and cover financial planning, budgeting, PR and management skills.

"These are important skills which can help teenagers not only in their future careers, but at A-level and university level as well," said JCD executive director Daniel Burger.

The final stage of the programme will see the teenagers working with their counterparts in the Jewish community in Istanbul, "using the skills they have been taught to fundraise for charities".

Istanbul was chosen "as there are many Israeli and pro-Zionist programmes out there". There was also the issue of anti-Zionist sentiment, particularly in the wake of the IDF action against the flotilla to Gaza, in which nine Turkish activists were killed.

Mr Burger likened the scheme to the UJIA's Adam Science Foundation programme for those in their mid-to-late 20s. "We even have Adam Science alumni working with us."