Eight high school pupils will have the chance to help build homes for impoverished families as part of the Government’s efforts to provide opportunities and reduce violence, the Minister of National Security announced today.

Michael Weeks said that the scheme is a partnership between the Gang Violence Reduction Team and Bermuda Overseas Missions.

He explained: “This life-changing experience has proven to promote leadership, teamwork and global citizenship in those who participate in this programme.

“Upon their return, these young leaders will share their experiences, with an aim to inspire their peers and foster community responsibility.”

The minister added: “It gives some of our young men and perhaps women the opportunity to go overseas, see how other people live, help to create something positive in those environments and hopefully come back changed individuals so they can pass on their experience and hopefully inspire others to do the same.”

Mr Weeks said the programme is one way the Government’s National Violence Reduction Strategy is expected to reduce crime and create opportunities for young people.

Unveiled in the House of Assembly last year, the strategy has eight goals, including early intervention, facilitating conflict-resolution and de-escalation and strengthening enforcement measures.

Mr Weeks said: “A key pillar of the strategy is the collaboration and communication among stakeholders.

“To achieve this, we have established the National Violence Reduction Strategy steering committee.”

He added: “The National Violence Reduction Strategy recognises that providing opportunities for both personal and professional development has a significant impact on violence reduction.

“That is why the Ministry of National Security’s Gang Violence Reduction Team has placed an emphasis on the creation of educational and vocational pathways designed to break systemic barriers and foster social inclusion.

“These pathways address root causes of violence, such as economic disenfranchisement, by equipping participants with essential skills for academic, personal and professional development.

“We are partnering with Care [Learning Centre] to offer grants to young people to achieve their GED qualifications.

“This initiative has already seen a positive response, with several individuals registered.

“Additionally, we are in discussions with the Adult Education School to broaden access to GED opportunities, ensuring that all individuals have a chance to pursue further education and employment, two key components for our youth to be productive and successful in life.”

The minister said the Gang Violence Reduction Team’s redemption programme, which takes people on a journey of growth, can now work with 25 trainees.

He explained: “That 20-week programme is the initial phase of the Gang Violence Reduction Team’s introduction to the particular programme, once we get them up and running … the outreach is always there by the Gang Violence Reduction Team.”

The ministry is also working with the Ministry of Economy and Labour and the Bermuda College, and will give funds to community organisations to provide additional opportunities for young people.

Mr Weeks said: “These clubs will offer programmes that include after school homework support, personal development workshops and violence prevention activities, fostering safe environments where young people can thrive.

“Anybody who is community-minded, dealing with our youth and helping to develop our youngsters has the opportunity to apply for funding and we’ll look at each application as it comes.”

The minister did not say how many organisations will receive funding or the amount that will be given.

He said violence does not have one root cause, but lack of education, economic disenfranchisement, intergenerational trauma and the breakdown of the family all contribute to it.

The ministry is working with 7 South Productions on a media campaign that will address violence, highlight youth voices and promote mental health awareness.

Mr Weeks said: “Our campaign will also feature a Stop the Violence youth conference.

“The youth conference will bring together students from across the island to create impactful, youth-led anti-violence campaigns.”

Mr Weeks urged people to consider other options before joining a gang.

He said: “Not only is this ministry trying to give some viable options to our young people who are not sure which way they want to go, we are partnering not only with government ministers, we are partnering with community organisations, clubs, sports clubs and other organisations, so hopefully there is one avenue that a young male can aspire to help them stay away from antisocial behaviour.”