Students honoured with Young Citizen Awards

Statement by Minister of Community, Culture and Sports Wayne Scott

Good afternoon and welcome to the 2013 Young Citizens Awards Luncheon.

This is the 10th Year that the Department of Child & Family Services has commemorated the Universal Day of the Child by recognizing students who display exemplary citizenship qualities within their school environments.

United Nations General Assembly recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children’s Day to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. Further, a statement from United Nations acknowledges, “That we were all children once. And, we all share the desire for the well-being of our children, which has always been and will continue to be the most universally cherished aspiration of humankind.”

We want our children to learn, grow and reach their full potential.  And, this afternoon we will celebrate the achievements of these 39 outstanding students.

Too often we are inundated with adverse media reports of our children involved in immoral and anti-social behavior.  Lost among those stories are the stories that illustrate our student’s achievements and admirable work in our community.    

Fortunately, however, in Bermuda we can very readily meet students who are doing remarkable work in their school and in our community.  Their commitment and diligence to school and service to community are the stories we want share.

I’d like to take a moment and boast about Bermuda’s youth.  We are blessed to have incredible young people who are contributing in our community and schools as volunteers, mentors and youth leaders.  Bermuda’s future is now and the students we are honoring here today are already stepping-up and doing their best to build a better Bermuda.

 They are fine examples of what is right in Bermuda. 

In spite of a tough economy and its far-reaching effects, we can celebrate these students who are a reflection of their parents and families. 

To the parents, let me commend you for your efforts to support and nurture your children.  Your commitment is what helps build a stronger community.  We need now more than ever families to support and care for each other, in doing so we build a stronger Bermuda.  

To the students, we celebrate and recognize your achievements in school and in the community.  On behalf of the Bermuda Government we wish continued success and know this, we are so very proud of you.

Congratulations.