Middle school students are constructing a full-size Bermuda Fitted Dinghy as part of a government initiative aimed at passing local traditions on to the next generation.

The M3 students at Whitney Institute Middle School are working under the instruction of Neil Phillips, design and technology teacher at the Smith’s school, with the assistance of Milton Hill, a master carpenter.

Tradition Bearers is a collaboration between the Department of Culture — within the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport — and the Ministry of Education.

The project-based initiative integrates the skills, knowledge and expertise of Bermudian tradition bearers into the public primary and middle school curricula. The programme is accompanied by a study guide, and incorporates Stem learning — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and senior education officials visited Whitney Institute to observe the work in progress last week.

Mr Darrell said: “The Tradition Bearer programme holds considerable cultural importance. It is essential for our children to learn and understand the immense value of our culture and heritage, and the significance of preserving and passing down these traditions.

“I enjoyed the presentation and seeing our young people actively engaging in learning about the Bermuda Fitted Dinghy, exploring its history and embracing its rich traditions.”

Kalmar Richards, the Commissioner of Education, added: “We are excited to engage young people in the trades through Stem education with this partnership.”

A government spokeswoman explained that tradition bearers are esteemed community members known for engaging in traditional artistic pursuits or skills passed down through generations within a cultural group.

She added: “These skills hold significant value within the community, remaining relevant and functional in the present rather than being lost to history.

“Typically, tradition bearers acquire their skills informally from others within the community through oral traditions or by example, rather than through formal academic or commercial instruction.”

The Government is seeking further collaborations with individuals and organisations with expertise in Bermuda traditions.

• Anyone wishing to get involved should contact Nekesha Holdipp at nholdipp@moed.bm