A law firm, youth organisation and school have all teamed up to launch a new mentoring programme for pupils.

The Berkeley Institute and Appleby, an offshore law firm, have teamed up with YouthNet, a school-based mentoring organisation, to launch a new corporate mentoring programme for the school's S1 students.

A2B, which stands for Appleby together with Berkeley, is a programme which will help the S1 students build relationships with adults who can make a positive impact on their lives.

The Principal of Berkeley, Ms. Michelle Simmons, said: "We are very excited to stand here today with Mr. Shaun Morris of our corporate partner, Appleby, Clare Mello of YouthNet, and S1 counsellor Mrs. Deirdre Ross-Nwasike, to launch this very exciting mentoring programme.

"This idea was first discussed at a meeting last summer when Appleby's Bermuda office Managing Partner, Mr. Morris, as well as Ms. Janita Burke and Mrs. Maureen Clemendor of Appleby met with me and my administrative team to discuss the future of our corporate partnership.

"We want the students to understand and appreciate how others have become successful so that they can learn how to achieve success themselves. In these one-to-one and small group relationships, over the next 18 months, the 25 Appleby mentors will provide consistent support and grow to become "buddies" who help 33 of our S1 students to gain the skills and confidence to be responsible for their own futures.''

S1 students were identified as a group with a particular need as they are in the transition year from middle school to a much larger school which brings with it added pressures to their academic requirements.

Appleby has had a partnership with Berkeley for 11 years, however the Appleby partners felt an even more meaningful contribution was needed.

Mr. Morris said: "We wanted to build upon our existing commitment of Bermuda's student community and the business community for the common good.''

And Ms. Simmons said: "We felt this would be an excellent programme which will have a very positive impact on young people with in our care."

To provide the infrastructure and support for the programme, Appleby and Berkeley turned to YouthNet, Bermuda's largest school-based mentor organisation.

YouthNet Executive Director Clare Mello said: "I see the programme as developing the young people's understanding of the business community and helping those same young people develop to their full potential."

Ms. Simmons added: "I would like to express sincere thanks to the students, parents and staff of the Berkeley Institute and to Appleby mentors for making the time to support our students.

"I am sure that you will derive much satisfaction from getting to know and interact with our S1 students.

"I would also like to extend our deep appreciation to Clare Mello and YouthNet for helping us to structure and launch this programme. We value your assistance.

"In the words of a popular quote by and unknown author 'a hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world might be a better place because I was important in the life of a child', thank you all for investing time in our children."

A2B had met with excellent support from the Appleby staff with 25 mentors already recruited, screened trained and matched by YouthNet with more in the pipeline.