The Ministry of Education has partnered with the Family Centre and HSBC Bermuda to offer daily counselling at TN Tatem Middle School. Teachers from other schools in Warwick will also benefit from the initiative the Family Centre is to provide them with training in "positive behaviour management techniques".

Education Minister El James announced the plans at a press conference held yesterday to launch a 12-week fitness programme culminating in the annual Catlin End-to-End.

The May 1 event will see residents participate in outdoor activities such as walking, running and cycling, to raise funds for ten charities: The Adult Education Centre, Alzheimer's Family Support Group, Bermuda School of Music, Chewstick Foundation, The Family Centre, Greenrock, Keep Bermuda Beautiful, The Reading Clinic, Sandys 360 Foundation and WindReach.

Mr. James said the Ministry is encouraging staff and students to participate.

"...funds raised during the event will, through the beneficiaries, end up providing valuable services to our young people," he said.

"The Ministry of Education is partnering with one of this year's beneficiaries, the Family Centre, and HSBC Bank of Bermuda as we have established a three-way partnership that makes it possible for a Family Centre counsellor to be present daily at TN Tatem Middle School."

Mr. James said the counsellor will liaise with the school's student services to "provide both preventive support to students and to accept referrals for students who require intensive counselling interventions".

"Through that partnership, a variety of therapeutic and social skill building groups are also offered," he said. "The Ministry of Education has also partnered with Family Centre to provide training for teachers from various schools in the area of positive behaviour management techniques."

The Minister could not comment further last night but said he would do so today.

Last year's Throne Speech expressed a hope to "expand and hone the skills of existing school counsellors to include the provision of skilled career guidance to better prepare students for careers in Bermuda's economy".

That intent followed a report on the plight of black males, by Columbia University professor Ronald Mincy. It also recommended more counselling in the Island's schools.

It read in part: "These schools desperately need increased guidance and career counselling so that academic or behavioural problems some black Bermudian males encounter can be identified early and the career interests and steps to post secondary education can be identified for those who are on course to graduate from college."

The End-to-End usually raises about $250,000 for local charities, charity chair Ann Mello said.

"Each year some 2,500 dedicated people walk, cycle or otherwise make their way across Bermuda in the spirit of giving to others in the community.

'Get Ready, Get Fit' is a new programme that aims to improve participants' fitness and make the event more satisfying for them in 12 weeks.

Red and orange brochures containing a workout schedule, training and nutritional tips will be distributed Island-wide by Government.

"Indeed, we are working to promote the same ideals as the End-to-End in our schools: health and fitness, community involvement and the spirit of giving to worthy local charities," Mr. James added.