Students get creative with antiviolence campaigns
Secondary school students highlighted knife crimes, a culture of silence and other social issues through video and social-media campaigns.
Students from The Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy, Mount Saint Agnes Academy, the Bermuda Institute and Success Academy presented the campaigns during “Truth be Told: Youth Rise Against the Violence” at Pier Six on June 10.
The event was part of the Ministry of National Security’s “Stop the Violence” campaign, aimed at addressing the root causes of violence through awareness, education and community engagement.
The Berkeley Institute’s One Knife, One Moment, One Chance addressed the potentially deadly consequences of carrying weapons.
Students from CedarBridge Academy urged young people to acknowledge trauma and seek help in The War Within.
Mount Saint Agnes Academy’s campaign, The Aftershock, explored how violence affects the community and paid tribute to former student Ethan Arruda, who was stabbed to death in Devonshire in October last year.
The Bermuda Institute’s Unlocked challenged the island’s culture of silence and encouraged people to report crimes.
Still I Rise, made by students from Success Academy, addressed why young people might end up joining gangs.
Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said the campaigns offered “a mirror into our society, challenging us to reflect deeply on the state of our community and our collective responsibility for change”.
He added: “Each student who took part demonstrated immense courage and leadership by being a part of this project.
“They turned their pain into power, their experiences into messages and their voices into catalysts for lasting change.”
Several students earned awards for their participation.
Voice of Change Award, for courageously addressing hard truths: Giana Romeo, Mount Saint Agnes Academy; Jayden Belboda-Ravenau and Ceszinee Cox, The Berkeley Institute
Creative Vision Award, for exceptional originality and design leadership: Kamaya Lynch-Wade, Mount Saint Agnes Academy; Jayce Fough, The Berkeley Institute; Kacia Barnett, the Bermuda Institute
Impact in Action Award, for the award with the greatest real-world impact: The Berkeley Institute for One Knife, One Moment, One Chance
• Visit stoptheviolencebda.com to support and learn more about the campaign