Public primary school pupils got to benefit from an intensive educational summer camp thanks to a collaboration between two organisations.

The Bermuda Education Network, for the second year, teamed up with the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute to provide the free nine-week camp to 50 pupils in science, technology, engineering and maths, as well as literacy.

Karla Lacey, the chief executive of the BUEI, said: “This collaboration is a great example of what can be achieved by two educational charities with a shared vision partnering to support the learning goals of children.

“Our education team developed an exciting Stem programme for students identified by BEN’s network of public-school teachers who would benefit from additional literacy and science activities.”

Becky Ausenda, the executive director at BEN, said that more children than ever needed reading support because of disruptions caused by Covid-19.

She said: “We are very grateful to have received the support of the Centennial Bermuda Foundation’s education committee and Allan and Gill Gray Philanthropy for each providing a grant of $30,000 for the summer learning programme which allowed us to deliver these opportunities free of charge.

“Julie Steele and her team at BUEI once again did an exemplary job of implementing Covid-19 guidance and providing a location and helping us to set more students up for success in the coming year”.

Ms Ausenda also thanked BEN’s team of reading tutors, who worked with pupils every afternoon.

The programme also included indoor and outdoor activities and explorations.

Ms Steele, the BUEI’s director of education, said: “BUEI is committed to providing affordable and accessible opportunities to learn about Bermuda’s ocean environment and our maritime heritage.

“We are proud to have delivered a quality programme that fully incorporated Covid safety measures.”

BEN and BUEI said they planned to expand the programme in 2022 so children from younger age groups could also take part.