Column: Butterfield On Education, Literacy, More
[Opinion column written by Cyril Butterfield]
Education is the foundation of a strong community. But in Bermuda, too many of our young people are falling behind. According to the Nonprofit Alliance’s 2024 White Paper, only 50% of students in our primary, middle, and high schools are meeting expected outcomes in reading, writing, and maths. These aren’t just numbers – they are Bermuda’s children being left without the tools they need to thrive.
At Peak Potential, we believe education is not a privilege – it’s a right. And every young person, regardless of background or learning style, deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Too often, students with learning differences or those from lower-income households fall further behind. Less than 37% of students with learning and thinking differences in Bermuda receive the support they need. This lack of resources creates an environment where many students feel lost, leading to disengagement and anti-social behaviour. For children in low-income households, the situation is more dire – with many lagging behind an average of five to six months in essential subjects. Our programmes are designed to close that gap – with a blend of academic reinforcement, mentorship and hands-on activities that engage students both in and out of the classroom.
As we begin the 2025/26 school year, we’re proud to launch the Back on Track programme in partnership with the YMCAs of Quebec (Canada). Originally called the “YMCA Alternative Suspension” this program was designed for students aged 12 to 17 who face academic or behavioural challenges. The initiative offers a constructive, supportive alternative to suspensions. Instead of being pushed out of school, students will receive personalised academic help, life skills coaching, and social-emotional support. Treating suspensions as opportunities for growth rather than punishment will enable students to learn from their mistakes and stay on the path to success.
This work builds on the success of our Scholars of Bermuda tutoring programme, which delivers targeted, evidence-based support. After just 40 hours of individualised tutoring, students consistently show significant improvements in reading, writing and maths. But it’s not just about grades – it’s about building confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.
We’ve seen what works. We’ve built strong partnerships with community groups and families. And we’re ready to scale our impact.
But we can’t do it alone.
We’re calling on middle and high schools to partner with us. We’re actively seeking collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of National Security to support this as a national priority. And we’re inviting Bermuda’s corporate community to step forward – because investing in our children is investing in our island’s future.
We’ll also be hosting info sessions for parents and caregivers, helping them understand how to access the support their children need. Parents are powerful advocates, and we want to support them every step of the way.
The Back on Track programme is more than an initiative – it’s a commitment to our youth. Every student deserves the supports to learn. Every student deserves a pathway to reach their peak potential.
To learn more visit https://peakpotentialbda.org/
- D. Cyril Butterfield, President & Managing Director, Peak Potential
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