'What Are You Doing for Others?'
Yesterday, Minister El James announced that the Education Ministry is throwing it's full support behind May's Catlin End-to-End Charity Walk.
According to organizers, the Catlin End-to-End began in 1987 as a wager among three friends - Paul Rowlerson, Jon Borrill and Clive Cotton - to walk from one end of the island to another. The event has grown into a national event involving more than 2,500 participants and 500 volunteers and raising more than $250,000 annually for charity.
This year's recipient charities include The Adult Education Centre; Alzheimer’s Family Support Group; Bermuda School of Music; Chewtick Foundation; The Family Centre; Greenrock; Keep Bermuda Beautiful; The Reading Clinic; Sandy’s 360 Foundation and Windreach.
Minister James explains his ministry's involvement:
The Ministry of Education is proud to be involved in this year’s Catlin End to End in more ways than one.
Our staff from the Department of Education and our students will have the chance to participate in the event and realize the health benefits of taking part.
Indeed, we are working to promote the same ideals as the End-to-End in our schools: health and fitness, community involvement and the spirit of giving to worthy local charities.
Concerning health and fitness, Our Sports and Health Education Officer and our Healthy Schools Committee have been working with the End to End committee to encourage students to participate.
And concerning community inclusiveness and the spirit of giving to local charities, this certainly fits with Government’s intention to introduce National Service.
And as was written in the throne speech – Martin Luther King once said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?”
Happily – Bermudians are generous when it comes to helping others. But we must ensure that this culture of giving remains strong from generation to generation.
In addition, funds raised during the event will, through the beneficiaries, end up providing valuable services to our young people.
The Ministry of Education is partnering with one of this year’s beneficiaries, the Family Centre, and HSBC Bank of Bermuda as we have established a three way partnership that makes it possible for a Family Centre counsellor to be present daily at TN Tatem Middle School.
The Family Centre counsellor works in partnership with student services to provide both preventive support to students and to accept referrals for students who require intensive counselling interventions.
Through that partnership, a variety of therapeutic and social skill building groups are also offered.
The Ministry of Education has also partnered with Family Centre to provide training for teachers from various schools in the area of positive behaviour management techniques.
So on behalf of the Government, and the Ministry of Education, and all those who will benefit from the Catlin-End-to-End, thank you organisers and participants – your efforts help to make Bermuda a better place for everyone.
To learn more and participate, visit bermudaendtoend.bm
