A anti-gang initiative to prevent youngsters taking the wrong path has been expanded into the Island’s Middle Schools.

The Gang Resistance Educational And Training (GREAT) Elementary School pilot programme was reintroduced at the beginning of the year.

The programme is designed for P-5 and P-6 students and consists of six 30 to 45-minute lessons.

The goal of the programme is to help students practise developing positive solutions and appropriate decision making when faced with tough decisions.

So far about 150 Middle School students have participated in the initiative.

Recently Premier Michael Dunkley and Senator Jeff Baron attended Whitney Institute to take part in a GREAT lesson programme firsthand.

“Our Middle School students are at such a critical age in their growth and development, and the timeliness of the GREAT initiative couldn’t be more significant for these young people,” said Mr Dunkley.

“Against the backdrop of recent incidences involving gun and gang violence, this school programme and its value is something that this Government wholeheartedly supports and endorses.

“At the Middle School level, the GREAT programme continues our efforts of introducing effective strategies to impress upon our young people that there are better alternatives to gang violence and antisocial behaviour.”

Since the beginning of the year the pilot programme has been rolled out at Elliot Primary, Gilbert Institute, Harrington Sound Primary, Paget Primary, Prospect Primary, Somerset Primary, Victor Scott Primary, West End Primary, Whitney Institute and T.N. Tatem.

Over 200 primary and 150 middle school students have participated in the GREAT programme during the 2014 calendar year.

Mr Dunkley added: “At its core, GREAT is designed to do two things — build positive relationships between students and the Bermuda Police Service, and it also provides our children with solutions and appropriate decision making skills.

“At Whitney, it really was a pleasure to observe the students as they role played, participated in group discussions and learned how to communicate messages clearly, control their anger and to respect others.

“For our part, we are pleased to do whatever we can to prepare our young people by providing them with the tools to make positive lifestyle choices and to make valuable contributions to this community.”