A family has donated $5,000 to support an early intervention programme for public schoolchildren run by the Bermuda Education Network.

Andrew Sooboodoo, the chief risk officer at Fortitude Re and a director of the Bermuda International Long Term Insurers and Reinsurers, said: “At this time of year our thoughts turn to those who need extra support and our family decided to help BEN to raise the funds for early intervention for students at public primary schools.”

Mr Sooboodoo added: “BEN has done some amazing work supporting students with remote learning and providing summer programmes to help students make up for lost learning opportunities during the pandemic and we look forward to a continuing relationship with this fantastic charity.”

BEN’s Horizons learning programme was set up to give educational opportunities for pupils in a joint effort with the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, the Bermuda Zoological Society, the Bermuda National Trust, The AgraLiving Institute, Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation and Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art.

Becky Ausenda, BEN’s founder, said: “BEN is building a learning community of teachers, community groups and business supporters who are committed to expanding opportunities for public school students.

“We are extremely grateful to the Sooboodoo family for their generous donation which will help us to provide language-enriching experiences and provide books and other resources for classrooms.”

For more information about BEN or to make a donation, visit its website.