Young interns helped to supervise nearly 60 students as part of a three-week teaching programme held at Somersfield Academy.

Bermuda Education Network’s Summer Learning Programme saw the six students help the school’s children strengthen their literacy skills while providing the potential educators with classroom experience.

BEN said building a strong education system required more than supporting today's students; it requires investing in tomorrow’s teachers and that the programme delivers both.

The six interns had the opportunity to work alongside experienced educators.

Colm Singleton, the head of sponsor Allied World Bermuda, said: “The initiative represents an investment in both Bermuda’s students and its future educators.

“While children receive evidence-based reading support, interns gain meaningful experience that can inspire them to pursue careers in teaching, helping to strengthen Bermuda’s future teacher workforce.”

The programme is BEN's flagship literacy intervention, providing free, evidence-based reading support to students who need additional help developing foundational literacy skills.

Through small-group instruction, one-on-one tutoring and structured literacy lessons, students work to strengthen their reading and writing skills while building confidence as learners.

The interns this year included Bermudian students who are about to begin a university degree and others who are in their final year.

Becky Ausenda, the founder of BEN, said: “For some of the interns, this was an opportunity to explore the possibility of a career working with children.

“Four were new to the programme, but for returning interns, Sofia and Latarie, it was an opportunity to take on some increased responsibilities supporting students with reading practice and teaching assistant tasks.”

There was also an opportunity for a placement with a teacher in BEN’s network during June.

“Strong schools depend on great teachers,” she said. “By giving young people meaningful work experience early in their careers, we're helping them discover different areas they may want to specialise in, from helping children build their literacy skills to physical education.”

BEN thanked the mentor teachers and schools that hosted interns this spring, as well as Allied World for its continued support of the internship programme.

Ms Ausenda added: “Support from donors and corporate partners makes initiatives like the Summer Learning Programme possible, helping Bermuda's children become stronger readers today while investing in the educators who will shape their futures tomorrow.”