Families learn about community resources to support children
Families were given a wealth of information about how to access government and community-based resources to help their children thrive.
The Village Gathering, organised by community activist Glenn Fubler, took place at Victor Scott Primary School on Saturday.
Mr Fubler said: “The underlying piece is that we have some social challenges in Bermuda right now.
“A key part to address that is the family so this event has the potential of supporting families.
“Bermuda has a lot of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders that relate to families but often there is a disconnect between the families and what is available.
“We are planning on organising events like this every couple of months.”
Nekesha Holdipp, who works with the Department of Education, said at the event yesterday afternoon that it is important to understand how children can be educated beyond the school setting.
“Their home learning experience complements their school learning experience,” she said.
“Mr Fubler’s mission is to help people to understand we are always learning which aligns with what we tell our children about being lifelong learners.
“There are different community organisations that are part of that support system.
“Today, we have games that have cognitive value like playing puzzles, we have Jenga, an art centre … It’s a STEM approach.”
Among the participating stakeholders were community football clubs, the Bermuda National Library, Bermuda Is Love and the Bermuda National Trust.
Sionna Barton, the director and head coach of the Bermuda Heart Foundation’s Jump 2B Fit programme, was in attendance with the national jump rope team, which put on a display.
Ms Barton said: “We go into schools from preschools up to high schools.
“We are trying to introduce the kids to jump rope and gymnastics. Our main goal is to get them to put their screens down and find fun in being active.
“We teach body movement, body awareness, game strength and game flexibility.”
Margot Shane, the founder of Skill Craft, a programme where young people can gain practical experience in marketing, and a reading tutor for Word Craft Tutoring Services, was at the event.
For the reading programme, she uses the University of Florida Literacy Institute which provides free online resources for parents.
Jahbarri Wilson, an artist and art teacher at Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation, was creating collages at his station, which focused on encouraging children to use freedom of expression.
“I am giving the kids a space to express themselves and create,” he said.