Bermuda’s education story is often told through top-line statistics and global rankings. But beneath the surface, a quieter crisis persists — one where far too many young people are being left behind.

The numbers speak for themselves. Seventeen per cent of Bermudians aged 25 to 64 have no high school certificate. Among them, unemployment stands at 16 per cent. Just half of senior school students met reading goals last year. Thirty per cent of Black males aged 16 to 30 are at risk of poor literacy and limited life skills. And while our system aims to nurture local talent, only 30 per cent of Bermudians hold university degrees compared with 52 per cent held by non-Bermudians. These numbers reflect real lives and real potential slipping through the cracks.

The Adult Education School exists to change that.

Founded in 1958, AES provides tuition-free, one-on-one, dignity-centred education for learners aged 16 and up. Some 4,000 alumni are contributing to all sectors of Bermuda.

After closing during the Covid-19 pandemic, AES reopened in late 2022 with only nine learners. We have grown to more than 65 active learners, with another 34 on pause for various reasons, preparing to return when life circumstances allow.

Eighty per cent of AES learners are Black, 40% are female and many face diagnosed learning differences or socioeconomic challenges. What unites them is the determination to succeed, where traditional public and private schooling fell short the first time.

AES is about more than academics; it’s about rebuilding confidence and creating momentum. It’s a space where second chances are not just given, they’re earned and celebrated.

In the 2024-25 school year, 24 students earned their GEDs, the equivalent of a high school diploma. Others have also earned industry certifications, secured meaningful employment or won competitive scholarships. Two graduates have already stepped into leadership roles through Rotaract, the Rotary Youth Club.

At the graduation ceremony held on June 12 at Bermuda College, more than 100 family members, friends and supporters came to celebrate. Seven of the graduates were in their twenties and returned to education to boost their career prospects. The remaining 17 were teenagers who have flourished after pursuing a path tailored to their needs.

Since September 2024, AES has enrolled 13 learners in Bermuda College and another nine are headed here this September. At the graduation, David Sam, president of Bermuda College, warmly congratulated all graduates and offered his personal support to all AES graduates who are either enrolled or soon to enrol at the college.

Educator Beverly Daniels, the keynote speaker, encouraged graduates to reflect on their personal brand — the values, strengths and identity that define them.

One of our graduates shared how he had been told repeatedly that high school graduation was not realistic for him. But at AES, he found support, earned his GED, completed a trades certification and landed a job in his chosen field. Now he is planning to attend Bermuda College. “At the Adult Education School, you’re surrounded by amazing people who will push you to make your dream come true,” he said.

With the support of more than 20 community partnerships, AES learners receive tutoring, career guidance, assessments and psychosocial support. When people are educated, employed and empowered, Bermuda thrives. But when they’re left behind, we all feel the cost. AES is part of the solution. But to grow this impact, we need public awareness, policy support and sustained funding.

This isn’t charity; it’s an investment in our island. Every learner who gains a credential, secures a job or finds their voice contributes to a stronger Bermuda. The ripple effects touch families, workplaces and communities. And while AES provides the framework, it is the learners who do the work — setting goals, overcoming doubt and showing up for themselves, and each other, every day.

We believe Bermuda can be a place where all people, regardless of age or background, have the opportunity to thrive. But that vision requires support. Alternative education programmes such as AES deserve recognition, stable funding and a seat at the policy table.

Let’s challenge the stigma around non-traditional learning paths.

Let’s celebrate resilience and reward effort.

Let’s ensure that no one is written off because of where they started.

And let’s celebrate second chances.

Because every learner deserves the opportunity to rewrite their story. With your support, they can.

• Arlene Brock is the managing director of the Adult Education Centre, Thaao Dill the director of planning, and Tim Smith editorial consultant.This op-ed is part of the Third Sector Spotlight Series, a collective media campaign co-ordinated by the Non-Profit Alliance of Bermuda, which aims to raise awareness of the value, impact and contributions of Bermuda’s non-profit sector