EDUCATION BERMUDIAN STYLE

Every day for the last two weeks, I have watched young people having fun on the water.  There are usually about a dozen students crewing three yachts with pink sails, as well as two marine inflatable boats that follow them around, manned by instructors.  The sounds of laughter and shouted instructions carry across the water and the antics are a delight to watch. 

I decided to do some research - to find out more about these exploits that occur so consistently every morning.  What I discovered was that there is a program called Bermuda Schools WaterWise (BSWW) that teaches 10 to 12 year old middle school children about water safety, seamanship and sailing as part of their school curriculum.  The program is led by teachers and lessons are conducted during school hours as part of their curriculum.  The venues are either yacht club facilities or, if they are lucky enough - right there within school grounds if they are waterfront schools.  The program is now funded by Oracle - Team USA of America's Cup fame.

Another interesting tidbit I came across was that a charitable foundation called the Bermuda Sloop Foundation (BSF) built a replica tall ship modelled on the original 1800's Spirit of Bermuda sailing vessel.  The modern Spirit of Bermuda was constructed around 2006 and now serves as a sail training ship for Bermuda's youth.  Each middle school child has an opportunity of sailing on a week long Atlantic voyage.  During their time on board the budding sailors learn about Bermudian culture, history, sea technology and improve their seafaring prowess.  But it is also seen as character building, where students can learn the art of co-operation, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and resiliency.

Great to see such a positive educational tool with such happy results!

                                 The Spirit of Bermuda. Photo by Seán Pòl Ó Creachmhaoil.