Schools in the Virgin Islands are launching anti-bullying campaigns to end bullying in their own schools and the wider community.

Today, The Alexandrina Maduro Primary School (AMPS) is hosting a ‘Run/Walk Against Bullying’ at 2:30 p.m.The run/walk begins at 2:30 p.m. at the school in Baugher’s Bay and ends at the Festival Grounds with a brief ceremony with presentations highlighting the importance of standing up against bullying. 

AMPS Principal, Mrs. Desiree Fahie-Butler said, “We are excited to once again be engaged in the fight against bullying in our Territory. Last year our Grade 5 and 6 students produced a heart-felt and riveting video on the effects of bullying. This year, our students have once again pledged to stand together to stomp out bullying in our Territory with our run/walk.”

Students and staff of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School (ETPS) and Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary School (ESPPS) have also planned to march against bullying on October 27 and 28.

Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn said, “Bullying is a serious issue for students and youth in general. While it is the goal of the Ministry of Education and Culture to provide an environment that is most conducive to learning and enhancing critical thinking skills, bullying can frustrate the achievement of those objectives. It is important that we work together as a community to end bullying and do whatever is possible for our youth to ensure they receive a well deserved education.”

Honourable Walwyn continued, “I am pleased that anti-bullying campaigns have been launched and the Ministry fully supports these initiatives.”

School Counselor attached to ETPS and ESPPS,Ms. Keriann Malone said, “Bullying can threaten students’ physical and emotional safety atschool and can negatively impact their ability to learn. The best wayto address bullying is to stop it before it starts. There are a numberof things school staff can do to make schools safer and prevent bullying, which is how the anti-bullying campaigns begun.”

Ms. Malone also said that bullying can be prevented or lessened by establishing a positive climate at schools; reinforcing positive social interactions and inclusiveness; educating students and staff; training teachers on school’s rules and policies; build bullying prevention material into the curriculum and school activities; and engage parents and youth.

ETPS Principal, Mrs. Sybil Hodge said, “We are excited to introduce ‘Anti-Bullying Champions’ to our community!The focus this school year is Cyber Bullying. Our mission is to empower students to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly in our technological world.”

Mrs. Hodge also said, “The staff at ETPS will join forces to teach students, parents and educators aboutcyber safety and their digital footprint, not only in the class room but through impactful videos, games, our Facebook page, and a march.”

The ETPS community march on October 27begins at 2:00 p.m. at the school’s campus in Sea Cow’s Bay.

ESPPS Principal, Mrs. Valerie Charles-Welsh said, “We are introducing a ‘Bully Prevention Programme’ to our school community. Our theme this school year is, ‘Stand up to Bullying!’ Our mission is to empower students to think critically, behave safely, and play responsibly with others.”

The school has planned various activities involving lessons, handouts, videos, songs and games throughout the year to focus on appropriate playground behaviour and sharing while fostering a caring and loving environment. ESPPS has also planned a community march on October 28 at 1:00 p.m. at the school campus in Road Town.