The youth of Bermuda are gearing up to descend on Par-la-Ville Park in a rally against violence.

Organised by Bermuda Youth Peace Builders, a group of public and private school students, the rally on Friday is intended to unify the public against growing violence in the community.

Saltus Student Shaunte Simons, 16, said the idea for the rally came at the group's second meeting.

"We want to create peace, especially with what we are experiencing right now," she said. "It's about doing something positive instead of doing something negative."

Another Saltus student, 15-year-old Jahde Rabain, agreed, saying that many on the Island paint the youth with just one brush.

"We hope this shows that there are youth out there who are trying to do good," she said.

She added that when she was younger, shooting victim Kumi Harford, 30, used to look after her, while he was a friend of Ms Simon's parents. He died 11 days ago when he was shot multiple times on St. Monica's Road.

"It's strange to think that you see someone this week and next week they're gone forever," said Ms Simons.

They said the eruptions in violence in the community are connected to not just gangs and drugs, but some of the more typical issues of growing up, like relationships and gossip.

These minor problems, they said, are being blown out of proportion, leading to violence.

"It's all these little things that people just can't seem to get over," Ms. Simons said. "Parents need to get involved and discipline their children."

Sarai Hines, 15, said that she hoped by getting young people involved in peace efforts, the effects will last for years.

"Getting involved in something like this at a young age, it helps us to carry it into the future," she said.

The event, which is expected to run between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. will feature entertainment by Chewstick, who along with YouthNet are helping the teenagers organise the event.

"It's going to be interactive, so it won't be people just sitting there lecturing," explained Ms Rabain.

Along with the entertainment, the teenagers are organising a poster-making contest.

Berkeley student Sheneal Harris, 16, said that she hoped the event would bring people together in time for the New Year.

"I hope that it will be a success, and I want to encourage others to come out and get that peaceful vibe," she said.

If the event goes well, the group all said they intended to hold more events in the New Year. CedarBridge student Andrew Almeida said: "This is the first event that we've ever organised. We hope that this helps lay the foundation for more events in the future."