Family Centre’s Youth Leadership Intensive
Family Centre’s Youth Leadership Intensive brought together 15 young people and 20 adults for a week of dialogue, learning, and collaboration focused on addressing challenges facing Bermuda’s youth.
A spokesperson said, “Family Centre’s Youth Leadership Intensive 2026 created a safe and empowering space for young people to share their experiences, identify challenges impacting Bermuda’s youth, and collaborate with community leaders to brainstorm meaningful solutions. Fifteen young people and twenty adults were brought together from across the community for a transformative week of learning, dialogue, and advocacy.
“Youth Leadership Intensive [YLI] was held from April 13-17, 2026.
“Family Centre’s Youth Leadership Academy [YLA] programme was established in 2011. YLI is the first phase of the programme. This one-week “Intensive” aims to build youth confidence in using their voices to increase the effectiveness of adults who work with or on behalf of youth. The training enables young people to meet with adults on an equal footing to discuss issues of concern and offer their ideas for solving community issues.
“This year’s YLI training week included ongoing collaboration with the Bermuda Police Service and the Commissioner of Education, reinforcing the importance of community-wide partnerships that centre around youth voice and wellbeing.
“A special highlight of YLI 2026 was the participation of Minister The Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, who, after listening to youth share their experiences, awarded four student presenters with the Minister’s Distinguished Award for Presentation and Advocacy on behalf of the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors. This recognition provided our young people with meaningful encouragement to continue to use their voice to strengthen their community.”
The Minister stated, “I came to listen, and I left changed. These young people did not ask to be seen one day—they showed me, with courage and clarity, that they are leaders right now. When a student looks you in the eye and says ‘talk with me, not at me,’ you understand that leadership is not a title you hold; it is a choice you make to meet our young people on equal footing. Their ideas are valid, their voices are valued, and their experiences are important. My commitment, and the commitment of this Ministry, is simple: we will not only hear them—we will act with them.”
The spokesperson said, “At the core of the Youth Leadership Intensive is the recognition of the power of storytelling, empathetic listening, and youth-driven advocacy. Family Centre Community staff designed YLA after listening to countless young people express that they often feel unseen, unheard, or disconnected from decisions impacting their lives.”
Leila Wadson, Director of Community Services at Family Centre, stated, “YLI continues to demonstrate the power of community, and what is possible when young people are given the opportunity, support, and encouragement to speak openly about their experiences. The level of insight, empathy, and leadership shown by this year’s group of young people was incredibly powerful and the adults who joined us this year fully embraced the challenge of building community one interaction, one relationship at a time.”
“Family Centre’s Youth Leadership Academy is a 5-year programme commencing at Dellwood in M3 and extending through high school, that identifies and nurtures youth leadership potential. Through exposure to opportunities, young people learn that leadership is action, not position, and through the mentorship and guidance of Family Centre Community Support Workers, youth are equipped to realize their short and long-term goals.”
Deneca Zuill, Family Centre Community Team Leader and Lead Coordinator of Youth Leadership Academy explained, “YLA offers a transformative journey for youth selected by Dellwood Middle School staff. Through leadership opportunities and dedicated mentorship, young people are empowered to shape their futures and drive positive change in their community. At the same time, YLA youth and families receive support with any challenges that arise. For the second year in a row, a Family Centre Counselling Team member joined the YLI facilitation team alongside our Community Team. Special thanks to Counsellor Carissa Darrell, who made the young people feel safe and seen.”
The spokesperson said, “The Youth Leadership Intensive concludes with a collaborative sharing circle, where middle school participants are supported by adult Youth Advocates to present their ideas for change to public officials and community leaders. This safe space fosters dialogue, empathy, and tangible action driven by the voices of Bermuda’s youth.
“Following YLI, students continue into Phase 2: Youth Leadership Academy [YLA] Foundations, a five-month after-school and summer programme where youth build on ideas sparked during YLI Week through mentorship, community projects, and youth-led Impact Projects designed to create positive change.
“Family Centre extends sincere thanks to community partners and guest facilitators who contributed their expertise throughout the week, including Tae-Eja Bean, Mental Health Counsellor at Bermuda Hospitals Board Child & Adolescent Services [CAS], and Karen Simmons, Programme Director at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bermuda.
“Youth Leadership Intensive and the broader Youth Leadership Academy programme is made possible by the generous support of Family Centre’s donors.
“To learn more about Family Centre’s Youth Leadership Academy and community programmes, visit: www.tfc.bm.”
