Mr. Speaker, 

I am pleased to provide an update this morning on the significant programming initiatives undertaken at the Office of Youth Affairs, made possible by the commitment and professionalism of its staff. 

As children, Mr. Speaker, we often looked forward to school breaks. They provided a welcomed distance from the daily routine of lessons, homework, and assignments, and opened up time for play, relaxation, and discovery. Yet, Mr. Speaker, the perspective may change when we view these breaks through the eyes of parents. For many families, school holidays bring transition. These school breaks present adaptations in balancing work responsibilities with the need to ensure children are engaged, supervised, and cared for during extended periods away from the classroom. 

Mr. Speaker,  

Every working parent in Bermuda knows this challenge: school breaks arrive, but work does not stop. Where do our children go? What do they do? 

For generations, Bermudian families have found ways to support each other through these times. It is who we are as a community that looks after our own. Today, through the Office of Youth Affairs, we are carrying that tradition forward with programmes that meet the needs of parents while unlocking the potential of our young people. 

Mr. Speaker,  

The Out of School Programme is not just supervision, it is a dynamic initiative that serves children from preschool through middle school. It provides structured, engaging, and purposeful activities that extend far beyond simple care. The programme is built on the pillars of character education, social-emotional learning, community involvement, and teamwork. These activities are thoughtfully designed to meet the developmental needs of different age groups, ensuring both enrichment and enjoyment. 

Each cycle is tied to themes from our National Youth Policy, ensuring alignment with our broader vision for youth development in this country. The OSP fosters personal growth, respect, inclusivity, and leadership, while cultivating a sense of belonging and community spirit. It is not merely a stopgap during school breaks—it is a platform for holistic development that supports families, strengthens communities, and invests in the future of our young people. 

Mr. Speaker, 

During the 2024–25 academic year, the Out of School Programme served children across the island during five school break periods. Running daily from 8am to 6pm at $60 per week, the programme consistently exceeded demand. 

Mr. Speaker, 

Each community centre is unique, like the children it serves. The Eastern Zone in St. George, the Central Zone at Sammy Wilson Centre partnered with Dellwood Middle School, and the Western Zone at Boaz Island with shuttle support from West End Primary School. These partnerships show how our communities pull together. 

Mr. Speaker,  

During the 2024-2025 academic year, the Out of School Programme was delivered successfully during October, December, February, April, and July breaks. In October, the focus was on building character and friendships, emphasizing career awareness, cultural understanding, and responsible citizenship. During this month, primary 3 to primary 6 level students participated in a newly crafted “Wild N’ Out Overnight camp, held at Grace Island, that emphasized independence, teamwork and environmental appreciation. 

Mr. Speaker, 

I want to commend the Youth Services team. Their commitment ensured these programmes did more than occupy time. They built confidence, leadership, skills, and friendships that will last. Our young people and their families are stronger because of their dedication. 

Mr. Speaker, 

The new academic year has begun, and the team at the Office of Youth Affairs is ready with its themes for the 2025/26 Out of School Programmes, that include sportsmanship, community service, and aviation adventures, just to name a few. Our parents will be pleased to know that their preschoolers and middle school aged children will be fully engaged in amazing activities. Mr. Speaker, 

Last month, we hosted Bermuda’s first Youth Entrepreneur Expo in recognition of International Youth Day. The year’s theme was ‘Local Action for the Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond”. 

Fifteen young Bermudians, ages 11 to 24, showcased businesses they created, from jewellery and clothing to natural beverages, Bermuda-inspired scents, baked goods, and more. 

Mr. Speaker, 

We invested in each participant with professional headshots and product photography because their courage and creativity deserve recognition. One attendee said, “I was surprised to see so many of my peers with businesses. I am now considering starting my own business with friends.” Another said, “The atmosphere was welcoming and empowering, to be surrounded by such young, talented creators.” 

This Expo arose out of research conducted on youth entrepreneurship as a study task in relation to the National Youth Policy. The support from the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and Kidpreneurs BDA ensured that our young entrepreneurs were well aware and involved. 

Mr. Speaker,  

Youth entrepreneur expos are already part of the regional landscape in Jamaica, Guyana, Belize, and the Bahamas. With this Expo, Bermuda has joined that regional movement, and we are determined to make ours one of the strongest platforms for young entrepreneurs. 

This initiative will now be held three times a year starting in 2026, rotating across community centres to ensure access and visibility island-wide. Our youth will not only participate in Bermuda’s economy. They will help shape it. 

Mr. Speaker, 

The cost of doing nothing is always higher than the cost of investment. When families are stable and youth are empowered, businesses thrive and Bermuda grows stronger. 

Behind every programme statistic is a neighbor, a grandparent, a child with potential we are helping unlock. The goal is simple. Every young Bermudian deserves a platform to build their future, whether through safe engagement during school breaks or by launching their first business at age 11. We are not preparing children for the world as it is. 

We are preparing them for the world they will shape. That is the vision, that is the commitment, and that is the future we are building together. 

Mr. Speaker, 

In closing, I want to thank the Youth Service team at the Office of Youth Affairs for producing high-quality programming for Bermuda’s youth year after year. For them, every day is youth day.  

Thank you to the Youth Services Team for consistently delivering innovative programmes for Bermuda’s youth. Thank you to all of our 15 Youth Entrepreneurs who participated in our first-ever Youth Entrepreneur Expo in recognition of the United Nations International Youth Day.  

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.