Students across the Island had members of 'Rise Above Bermuda' preach non-violence yesterday.

The community group urged companies, schools and individuals to focus on non-violence and they also encouraged people to wear blue as part of National Commitment to Non-violence Day.

Rise Above, pledged to galvanise the community into taking part in hands-on, helpful initiatives to curb the levels of recent violence. Some of the actions they have organised included peace walks along St. Monica's Road, night patrols through neighbourhoods and prayer vigils.

They also spearheaded a $100,000 reward scheme for information that leads to arrest and conviction of people responsible for any of the five murders since May 2009.

Yesterday's action was the last of 30 they have organised and The Royal Gazette yesterday participated by printing thousands of posters supporting the principle of non-violence.

One of the Rise Above members, Dr. Lou Matthews, said speakers went to Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy, St. David's Preparatory as well as other schools. Sharon Bailie was one of the speakers and she went to Harrington Sound Primary.

"The students were very receptive as the teachers had prepared them well for "Rise Above Bermuda" and the idea of celebration peace today," she said. "They actually gave me a presentation that covered everything from poems, songs and a mock peace rally with banners and signs!

"As I was at the end of all of that, I took the opportunity to remind them that peace starts with them and that for me volunteering for 'Rise Above Bermuda' was part of my contribution.

"I asked them what gift could they give today to their family and friends to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr birthday, a gift that could not be purchased, and the responses were peace, respect, a hug and a smile.

"I think these children are a great example today and hopefully by learning peace at this age, we will have a less violent children and adults in the future."

Rise Above, Bermuda was started by brothers Dwayne, Travis and Wayne Caines and Lou Matthews, who grew up in the Pembroke area which has been marred with violence in the last six weeks.

Last year 17 people were shot, four of whom were murdered.

So far this year two people have been shot. Perry Puckerin was murdered at Hamilton Workman's Club at 9.30 p.m. on January 4 and an unnamed 21-year-old was shot in the leg on Pembroke Place Road on January 10.

And another group is hoping people will also come out today to show a united force against violence.

Government MP Michael Weeks and Reverend Nick Dill will be leading a march from two locations at 1 p.m. One walk will start at St. Monica's Road and another at St. Augustine's Church and both will end at Victor Scott Primary School where various community groups and organisations will be on hand offering information about their services. There will also be entertainment on hand as well as food stalls.

Mr. Weeks also said 10 clergy members will be taking part in today's event.