Mirrors Hosts Academies At 5 Middle Schools
The Minister of Community, Culture and Sports, R. Wayne Scott, today [Oct 10] reported that the Mirrors Programme recently conducted five Middle School Academies for all M3 students at each of the public middle schools.
The one day academy for each school was held from September 29- October 3, 2014. Mirrors partnered with Alfred Powell, a motivational speaker and adjunct professor at Stonybrook University to lead these workshops with the Mirrors staff and community volunteers.
The purpose of the academies was to have the youth experience a day of character building and empowerment which will set the tone and culture for the academic year.
Kimberley Jackson, Mirrors Programme Coordinator stated, “Mirrors has recognized the importance of preparing our students to succeed academically through character building and personal development programming.
“Our focus is to support the personal development of students such that they recognize the importance of education and generate the actions to achieve successful results.
“We selected the M3 level to strengthen the results in preparation for transitioning students to high school and to prepare for next year when we will service M3’s through our Coaching for Success programme in alignment with the Spirit of Bermuda programming that will service the M2 level.
Clearwater Middle School M3 students with guest speaker, Alfred Powell:
“The alignment of services between the Bermuda Sloop Foundation and Mirrors Programme not only allows for a strengthened continuum of service for the most needed student but also allows the organizations to partner for staff development, professional development for teachers and other youth service provider personnel directed towards improved academic outcomes”.
A total of 312 students completed the academies. The academy consisted of a variety of 50 minute conversations and activities around bullying and violence, social media, teamwork, what it takes to stay focused and creating an appreciation for their peers and the adults in their lives.
Coach Powell indicated, “Majority of students were able to express how they felt about violence and what they would or could do to stop it. Most students contributed excellent feedback and suggestions to the greater group. Many verbally expressed that violence isn’t cool.”
The academy focused on the current issues facing youth and allowed them to express their views to empower them to make healthy choices.
Jeanene Todd, Mirrors CFS leader indicated, “Some of the students shared that they will stop bullying, be respectful to each other, listen more and treat others the way they would like to be treated as a result of participating in the workshop. It was a good experience to allow the youth to take a look at their behaviors and what gets in the way of their education”.
A spokesperson said, “This collaboration is an example of how organizations can join resources to transform the lives of the young people and foster a sense of togetherness in our community and society as a whole.”
To find out more about the Mirrors Programme and what it has to offer, visit the Mirrors Programme’s website on www.mirrors.bm or call 294-9291.
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