Premier Michael Dunkley attended the latest round of the Gang Resistance Education And Training (GREAT) graduations at Somerset and West End primary schools yesterday.

“The goal of the programme is to help students practise developing positive solutions and appropriate decision making when faced with tough decisions,” according to a GREAT representative.

It is designed for primary five and primary six students and consists of six 30-45 minute lessons. The programme was re-introduced in January.

One special feature of the curriculum is the activity about bullying behaviours.

“The activity uses a pervasive and realistic problem to prompt student discussion and the development of positive solutions,” added the representative.

Mr Dunkley said: “I was honoured to attend a special joint assembly today at Somerset Primary to celebrate the GREAT graduations for the students of Somerset and West End Primary Schools.

“The students gave testimonials on how they enjoyed participating in group discussions and role playing as they learned to communicate messages clearly, control their anger and to respect others.

“GREAT continues our efforts to introduce effective strategies to impress upon the youngest members of our community that there are better alternatives to gang violence and anti-social behaviour.

“At its core, GREAT is designed to do two things; build positive relationships between students and the Bermuda Police Service, and it also provides our children with solutions and appropriate decision making skills.”

The programme has been introduced into eight schools with over 200 students participating this school year.

To date, the pilot programme has been rolled out in the following schools: Elliot Primary, Gilbert Institute, Harrington Sound Primary, Paget Primary, Prospect Primary, Somerset Primary, Victor Scott Primary and West End Primary.