Schoolchildren will march to promote peace tomorrow.

Anti-violence campaigner Desmond Crockwell has organised the event and believes that Bermuda’s youngsters have a key role to play in the battle against serious crime.

He said: “The youth of today are the adults of tomorrow, and today’s followers are tomorrow’s leaders.

“So to get them to think, preach and express love, unity, peace and social responsibility is important to not only helping where we are, but also helping to shape a better future.”

Mr Crockwell was speaking as pupils from four public schools prepared to take part in an anti-violence walk tomorrow.

The Walking Up West march will include pupils from Sandys Secondary Middle School, Somerset Primary School, TN Tatem Middle School and West End Primary School.

Mr Crockwell, the chief editor of anti-violence magazine Visionz, said that he expected about 500 pupils to take part.

The march will leave Sandys Secondary at noon and be joined by pupils from the other schools along the route.

The group will end up at Somerset Cricket Club at 12.45, where they will have lunch and listen to speeches.

Mr Crockwell and fellow anti-violence activist Antonio Belvedere, as well as DJ Lynwood “Brotha Richie” Richardson and a representative from the Open Your Heart Foundation, will speak to pupils.

Entertainment will also be provided.

Mr Crockwell said the West End march was inspired by a walk organised by Julie Foggo, the principal at East End Primary School, through St George’s in February.

The St George’s event was timed to coincide with the Bermuda Wears Red anti-violence event organised by Mr Crockwell.

Mr Crockwell said that the community reaction to the walk had been “second to none”.

He added: “After a few conversations and meetings it was only natural that we follow up with a walk up West.”

Mr Crockwell said that the support of schools was a measure of success for the anti-violence campaign.

He added: “Consistency is key — so to have more of these events and to get more people involved is our goal.”

Mr Crockwell has received invitations from several schools and churches, as well as other groups and organisations, to promote the anti-violence message.

He said: “Every adult, every gangster, every convict was once a child and can respect the voice of the youth.”

Mr Crockwell said: “The response from the community has been fantastic.”

• For more information, call 297-2018 or e-mail youthvisionsports@yahoo.com