A father has launched a new initiative to champion the stories of successful youngsters to help to inspire the Island’s youth.

Desmond Crockwell has been working to provide opportunities for Bermuda’s children since his early 20s.

After 15 years in a variety of different roles at community centres, summer camps and after-school programmes, he has now branched out to fill what he sees as a void in the Island’s support system.

His aim is to highlight children’s achievements in the community and by doing so build the self-esteem of youngsters who are looking for direction and role models.

At the start of the year, Youth Vision Promotions was officially incorporated with the aim of helping to organise events and programmes for children across the Island. Last month, Mr Crockwell, 37, launched a new website, youthvision.net, designed to put a spotlight on the success stories of children of all ages.

“Having worked in this field I felt that something was missing; I thought we needed somewhere where the achievements of young people could be celebrated and provide inspiration for other young people,” said Mr Crockwell.

“That is where the website comes in — it’s a hub for young people. We want it to highlight the success stories and get young people talking about young people.

“This in turn improves their self-esteem, which is a critical factor with young children today.

“We see the family structure falling apart in Bermuda today and we need to ensure that our young men especially have father figures and role models to look up.”

Mr Crockwell and a small team of supporters have partnered with several local organisations to arrange a variety of events, from snowcone stands in St David’s to a mini Cup Match between patients of the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute and children.

He hopes that his next initiative will provide some children and their families with access to discounted school uniforms.

“We are looking to collaborate with several stores over the holiday with a view to providing families who really need help with discounts on school uniforms,” he said.

“But most of the work we do is in the community and in the classroom, where we try to listen to what our young people are saying and provide opportunities and solutions.”