March 19, 2014

Dear Sir,

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) has reported that “Three quarters of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension”. (www.unaoc.org)

A little extreme I thought on first reading but the more I pondered the subject it came to me that perhaps the education systems in many countries of the world share the blame for this. If the teaching of awareness, appreciation and understanding of other cultures in schools is not done, then it is to be expected that the leaders of these countries will not have been exposed to these concepts, or alternative methods of conflict resolution.

That is why it is so important for schools to play their part to develop students who have this initial awareness, appreciation and leadership skills. As well as the cognitive element, schools must provide opportunities for leadership through positions of responsibility, student councils, peer leadership groups, community action groups and innovative initiatives. This is something I feel the Bermuda schools do so very well.

It was with a large degree of pride and awe that I heard the resumes and results from the recent Bermuda Teen Awards. Everyone who was nominated fills the criteria mentioned above; amazing young people who represent an age group that does not always get the best press. My congratulations go out to all the schools and their nominees and especially to my seven award winners, in particular my Outstanding Overall Teen, the Warwick Academy Head Girl, Lindsay Fisher.

MAGGIE MCCORKELL

Principal

Warwick Academy