A young people’s outreach charity started a support package in honour of an impactful anti-violence campaigner.

Raleigh Bermuda launched the Marco Montarsolo Brave Bursary to help youths from families experiencing financial hardship take part in its Brave summer camp scheme.

The organisation said: “In response to rising violence among youth and the community, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Raleigh launched the Brave: Anti-Violence programme.

“This initiative was made possible by funding from Marco Montarsolo, which kick-started a much needed youth programme.

“The Brave programme targets high school students aged 14 to 17, providing them with skills to address violence, gang involvement, anger management, substance abuse, trauma and coping mechanisms.

“Over 250 teenagers have graduated from the programme since its inception, showing promising results in deterring youths from gang activities and violence.”

Raleigh Bermuda works with organisations such as Court Services; the Department of Child and Family Services; the Bermuda Police Service; school counsellors; private clinicians; and lawyers to identify and assist youths in need.

The bursary named after the late Mr Montarsolo is funded by community donations.

His family said: “Marco was always such a champion for the programme and really cared about the young people and their families that are a part of the Raleigh community.

“We hope that his legacy will encourage and inspire everyone to be brave, to approach difficulties with determination and optimism, and to believe in themselves and their capacity to make a difference in this world.”

Donations to the Marco Montarsolo Brave Bursary can be sent to Raleigh Bermuda’s HSBC account 010-120756-001 with the reference Marco Brave Bursary.

• For more information on Raleigh Bermuda’s Brave Summer Camp Programme, visit raleigh.bm or call 333-5678