A youth empowerment group talked to high school pupils about the role they could play in creating a more tight-knit community.

Mirrors Bermuda hosted its first two restorative circles training sessions with young people.

The sessions, held in collaboration with the Youth Mental Health Advisory Board and Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda, or Curb, taught the youngsters practical skills such as sparking conversations and taking accountability.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said: “This training empowers Bermuda’s emerging leaders to respond to conflict and peer challenges with empathy and problem-solving, rather than punishment or avoidance.”

She added: “The training represents a significant investment in youth-led mental health support and school climate improvement.”

The sessions were held at the Bermuda College in Paget on January 10 and 17.

The first day taught young people about the basics of restorative practices, which aim to right social wrongs and mend communal bonds, while the second focused on leadership skills such as planning and team-building.

The 21 pupils involved came from The Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy and Mount Saint Agnes Academy.

Stacey-Lee Williams, the executive director of Curb, said it was important to bridge the gap between youth and adult perspectives on the topic.

She added: “These young people already possess a restorative lens, and their insights into community and schooling show why it is vital to bring both generations together.”

Letitia Washington, a prevention services co-ordinator at Mirrors, said: “It was inspiring to see this group grasp restorative concepts.

“I am excited to see them support their peers with these new tools.”

Pupils shared their fascination with the sessions and their subjects.

Jahmari Smith-DeShields, who studies at The Berkeley Institute, said: “Circles teach us more about each other and allow us to share opinions without judgment.”

Naomi Harvey, a CedarBridge Academy student, added: “The training opened my eyes to a new way of resolving conflict at school and at home.”