The Minister of National Security Sen. The Hon. Jeffrey Baron, JP today participated in a GREAT (Gang Resistance Education And Training) graduation at Gilbert Institute.
The GREAT programme is a youth educational awareness initiative that teaches life-skill lessons to address anti-social behavior and crime in Bermuda. Part of the programme’s goal is to help students develop positive solutions and decisions when dealing with tough decisions and peer pressure. Since the introduction of the programme in 2014, over 700 students have participated in the GREAT programme.
Senator Baron said, "We are keeping an important promise from 2016 Throne Speech and that was to expand the GREAT programme to primary schools. The expansion of this proven, successful programme to a wider audience of Bermuda's young people strengthens the message of positive lifestyle choices at every opportunity."
Minister Baron said he was “excited and uplifted” to attend Gilbert Institute's GREAT graduation, noting that ,“Positively engaging and connecting with our youth at an early age is a critical component to helping them make good lifestyle choices when faced with challenges”.
Minister Baron invited Opposition Senator Furbert to attend the graduation and together they shared in congratulating the twenty P6 students who graduated the program.