SEL Training At Endeavour Programme
Endeavour Sailing Programme staff participated in a professional development session on social-emotional learning and neurodiversity, led by Lindsey Sirju of the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning.
A spokesperson said, “Staff at Bermuda’s Endeavour Sailing Programme took part in a professional development session on Thursday, February 26th, focused on strengthening how they connect with young people — both on land and on the water.
“The training was led by Lindsey Sirju, Co-founder and Deputy Head of School at the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning [BCCL], and explored the intersection of social-emotional learning [SEL] and neurodiversity, two areas increasingly recognised as essential to positive youth development.
“The session gave Endeavour staff a deeper understanding of neurodiversity, a stronger foundation in SEL, and practical strategies they can use to build meaningful relationships and empower their classroom management to be more effective when working with students.”
Ms Sirju said, “Neurodiversity is not about deficits, it’s about differences, When adults shift from asking, ‘What’s wrong?’ to ‘What does this student need to thrive?’ it changes how we respond, connect and support young people.”
The spokesperson said, “The training began by addressing common misconceptions and stereotypes about neurodiverse learner profiles, encouraging staff to reflect on how assumptions can unintentionally influence expectations and interactions. Participants reviewed the core principles of social-emotional learning, including its five competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making.
“Through guided reflection activities, staff examined their own practices and identified where SEL is already present in their work, often without being explicitly labelled as such. Ms Sirju also introduced Endeavour staff to a simple four-part framework that they can use as a starting point when navigating challenging situations with students or colleagues.
“A key focus of the session was applying SEL through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. By sharing real-world examples, Ms Sirju demonstrated how small shifts in language, expectations and responses can lead to stronger connections, improved behaviour and more inclusive environments.”
Ms Sirju said, “Social-emotional learning gives adults a framework to respond thoughtfully rather than reactively, When young people feel understood and emotionally safe, they are far more likely to engage, regulate their behaviour and build confidence.”
The spokesperson said, “The training concluded with collaborative, scenario-based exercises, where staff worked together to re-examine common situations involving students and applied what they have learned to create alternative, more effective approaches.
“Jennifer Pitcher, Executive Director of Endeavour welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the value of supporting staff with tools that recognise the whole child.”
Jennifer Pitcher said, “Our partnership with the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning reflects a shared vision for inclusive, supportive learning environments where youth of all backgrounds and abilities, particularly neurodivergent learners, feel understood, valued, and empowered to succeed. Professional development like this strengthens our collective capacity to lead with empathy, intention, and evidence-based practice. Endeavour looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning to advance inclusive education and ensure that social and emotional learning remains central to each young person’s success and wellbeing.”
The spokesperson said, “While the session was tailored to Endeavour’s programme, the principles extended beyond sailing or classroom settings. Research consistently shows that when children feel emotionally supported and understood, they are better able to manage challenges, engage in learning and develop resilience, all skills that serve them well throughout life.
“By investing in social-emotional learning and neurodiversity awareness, Endeavour continues to demonstrate its commitment not only to skills development, but to fostering confident, capable young people across Bermuda’s wider community.”
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