Department of Youth, Sport & Recreation

Vision Statement

To see young people transforming into healthy, independent adults, fulfilling their potential and developing into thoughtful, participating, contributing citizens.

Children, youth and families face enormous development challenges in Bermuda today. There has not been a time in our island’s history where young people and their parents have been confronted simultaneously by such a wide array of influences and opportunities. Most of our youth become healthy adults who participate in positive, pro-social activities and are guided by interests that lead to meaningful and fulfilling lives. For some Bermuda children and youth, however, the path to adulthood is filled with risks, challenges and uncertainty. Because of the adversities some children face, the prospect of a successful future for such young people is sometimes bleak.

The Bermuda Youth Policy Framework represents an important milestone for Bermuda - not only for young people, but also for our country as a whole. It is a cause for celebration and commitment. Celebration, because it will be the first broad-based policy document on youth with their aspirations, needs and conditions formally recognised in a policy initiative. Commitment, because in order for the vision and strategies that are outlined in this policy to become reality, it requires that we must all dedicate ourselves to the development of our youth.

The Youth Policy Framework will challenge us all to play a role, for youth development cannot be left to the young alone. We are challenged to recognise the contribution all must make to develop our youth. If we are to call ourselves a just and caring society, then we must recognise the duty we have to the vulnerable, disadvantaged and to youth in order to sustain the quality of life that we know in Bermuda.

Therefore, let us Pledge to embrace this Bermuda Youth Policy Framework, giving life and meaning to the vision and direction it has set. By working together, young and old, Department and community, businesses and youth organisations, we can address the challenges of the present and focus on achieving a brighter, fuller future for all.

“We cannot always build the future for our youth, But we can build our youth for the future” - F.D. Roosevelt