One of the members of the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary - perhaps best known for their children's song 'Puff the Magic Dragon' - will be in Bermuda next month promoting a message of tolerance and compassion in conjunction with WindReach Recreational Village.

Peter Yarrow has developed a programme - Don't Laugh At Me - which "is working to transform schools, camps, and other youth organisations into more compassionate, safe and respectful environments," Jacqueline Horsfield of WindReach told Hamilton Lions yesterday.

"The project disseminates educational resources that are designed to establish a climate that reduces the emotional and physical cruelty some children inflict upon each other by behaviours such as ridicule, bullying, and - in extreme cases - violence," she said.

The executive director of WindReach, Ms Horsfield, said last year the Warwick charity village served over 20,000 users.

It occupies a fully accessible, four-acre site in Warwick offering an all-weather facility, activity centre, gardens, petting zoo, playground, sensory trail and campground.

"It is a place where participants are encouraged to reach their own potential within a tranquil and integrated environment, where everyone is treated with dignity," she said.

"Thanks to the support from all aspects of Bermuda, WindReach is a thriving community resource, daily providing opportunities for growth, challenge and simple enjoyment.

"While embracing core values such as (inclusiveness), accessibility, empathy, enjoyment, fulfilment and respect, WindReach exists to enrich the quality of life for people with special needs.

"WindReach Village reaches out to friends and family, colleagues, fellow students and co-workers alike by providing a level playing field for all who take advantage of it."

The charity will be hosting Mr. Yarrow for a youth-focussed event in December to establish a Don't Laugh at Me partnership, which Ms Horsfield said offers "tremendous possibilities for us all in Bermuda".

Ms Horsfield also shared with Lions a video of Mr. Yarrow discussing his programme.

Mr. Yarrow said he was inspired to create the programme by "an epidemic of disrespect" in the United States, driven by the media, which did not exist when he was young.

In addition to songs and videos intended to promote understanding and respect for individual differences, Mr. Yarrow explained that the programme includes a series of classroom exercises "where kids learn to develop skills of reasoning and understanding and problem solving."

The exercises stress the damaging of effects of ridiculing or marginalising others.

The programme hopes to change the world, "one classroom at a time," he said.

Mr. Yarrow will be in Bermuda on December 12 for a presentation in the Youth Activity Centre at WindReach.

"There will be approximately 70 guests representing business leaders, educators, community activists and organisations working hard to address issues on our small island," Ms Horsfield said.

"The event will enable those assembled to network, share values and ideas.

"The emotive and inspiring message of the Don't Laugh at Me project will be a catalyst in the establishment of partnerships and the reaffirmation of common goals.

"WindReach will illustrate how it strives to be an inspirational leader in this field and how local organisations can utilise WindReach Recreational Village to the best advantage for their own programme delivery."