The Endeavour sailing programme has partnered with US Sailing’s Reach Initiative, offering training for public school educators from across Bermuda.

The Reach Initiative uses sailing as an educational platform with the aim of inspiring young people to establish a love of learning and explore science, technology, engineering, arts and maths, or Steam, careers.

It provides teachers and sailing instructors opportunities to network and exchange ideas while building their knowledge and tools related to engaging students of all abilities.

Since 2015, 120 educators from across Bermuda have completed the US Sailing Reach Stem Educator Course in partnership with Endeavour.

Enid Furbert-Jacobs, the principal of Purvis Primary School, said: “As an administrator, I was delighted to experience first-hand the Steam lessons our students engage in with the Endeavour team.

“The programme encourages a sense of wonder and promotes the essential skills of critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity through a hands-on approach.

“The connection to Steam and sailing allows the students to enrich their lives while learning and having fun. I encourage all educators to participate and join in with the learning.”

Teacher chaperones support their students’ participation in the Endeavour Steam Education through Sailing Programme, engaging in the activities on and off the water alongside them.

The experience aims to help students build on what they are learning at school and enhance relationships with teachers away from the classroom.

Wesley Hall, Purvis Primary Y7 adviser, said: “I would like to thank the Endeavour team for an excellent maritime experience in the Endeavour Steam Education through Sailing Programme.

“The students were fully engaged throughout their time, actively participating in all indoor and outdoor sessions. Many of them expressed that they had a great time learning and left excited.

“The one common improvement from our students was that they wished they could stay longer at Endeavour.

“Endeavour and its core values tie in seamlessly into our current Year 7 curriculum and so this experience will have a lasting impact on our group. I also discovered that it highlighted common areas for improvement such as communication, speaking with good purpose and building up one another.

“The use of sailing fundamentals provided added discipline and environmental appreciation that is essential as global citizens.”

Endeavour team members also took part in the hands-on workshop including young Bermudians who completed the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme and are working with Endeavour as programme instructor interns to gain teaching experience and continue to expand their knowledge and skills.

Tre’sure Nanette, 2022 Endeavour Maritime Springboard graduate and Endeavour programme instructor, said: “This opportunity enabled me to build my knowledge of different ways of teaching and enhance my understanding of how students connect with what we are teaching to be able to better support their learning and development at Endeavour.”

• To learn more about Endeavour’s programmes that positively impact diverse young lives across Bermuda, visit www.endeavour.bm