Parents and children can receive free guidance from various organisations at Victor Scott Primary School hall next weekend.

Glenn Fubler, from Imagine Bermuda, said the event on October 12 was inspired by those who fought for free education on the island more than 70 years ago.

He explained: “In 1949, that school year, [education] for primary students was free and is an example of ordinary people taking action to change and transform their society.

“We are drawing from that spirit in 2024 because we know there are some challenges in the community.

“We want parents to know they are not alone at all, and that the village is here to work with them.”

This village comprises religious organisations, charities, government services, activists and sports clubs, some of whom gathered at City Hall yesterday to promote next week’s event.

Mr Fubler said Victor Scott’s central location and history made it a perfect place for the event, set to run from 4pm to 5.30pm.

He added: “The first name of Victor Scott was Central school, which was the first purpose-built school by the Government, which came about because three of the four founders of the Bermuda Union of Teachers closed their schools and merged to form what became Central — that was an iconic school.”

Diane Gordon, disaster risk manager at the Bermuda Red Cross, called Victor Scott “the foundation of the community” and said people could “pass the baton to the younger generation” at next week’s event.

She added: “There are so many really good organisations out there that are willing to help people as much as possible — forget about working in silos. If we can join forces like a village, then let’s do it.”

Activist Dennis Bean also highlighted unity and said people involved in criminal activities should “hang up your gloves, grow up, settle down and let’s be in the business of tidying up Bermuda”.

Major Cathy Simms, divisional commander of the Bermuda Salvation Army, discussed investing in the island’s children and families.

She said: “Studies show that the more you invest healthy assets into children, the better they become in life, so we want to pour goodness into them and into their families and to let them know what resources are available from all of us, so we’re grateful to be a part of that.”

Members of Dandy Town Youth Academy are providing this investment to young people by mentoring them in and outside of school.

Raymon Brangman, representing the club, explained: “We are supporting them in schools, on the football field and training programmes, and also building a relationship with the parents, and that is key.

“When they are at the club, we can instil so much, but at the same time, when they go home, what are they going home to and what is their neighbourhood looking like?”

Next week’s event will have resources adults, fun activities for children and refreshments courtesy of the Bermuda Union of Teachers.