Educators attend Gang Education Workshop

TUESDAY, OCT. 23: On Monday, October 22nd 2012, Minister of National Security the Hon. Wayne N.M. Perinchief J.P., M.P., spoke at the most recent Gang Education Workshop at the Berkeley Institute.

The Gang Education Workshop presentation was facilitated by Mr. David Mirfield, Assistant Commissioner of Police of the Bermuda Police Service and Mrs. Kimberly Jackson, Programme Coordinator of the MIRRORS program who provided information on preventing problem behaviors and community based resources available to schools.

The presenters shared valuable information aimed at helping Educators and other key personnel identify students involved in anti-social behaviour or gang activity. School staff was given information on how to minimize and eradicate gang activity in their schools.  The information provided also aims to allow school staff to put in place preventative policies and programs to assist students who may be on the cusp of becoming involved in gangs.

To date over 200 Counselors, Educational Therapists and Teachers from Primary, Middle and High Schools have received the training.

Minister Perinchief said: “These gang education workshops speak to the clear need for focused action solutions to address and minimize gang involvement in our schools. Our goal is to ensure that we provide gang-specific training for all practitioners. These problems do not happen overnight and so we renewed our efforts on all fronts with a commitment to reversing the destructive lifestyle that is the gang culture."

The Minister continued: "Our educators are on the front-line and we must give them every tool necessary to make a difference in our young people’s minds. Today’s training continues a planned effort by the Ministry to sharpen our strategic focus and meet the issues in the community head-on. I am proud to support initiatives like this one, as it goes a long way towards ensuring safety and security for all."