Anti-Bullying Efforts Continue At Carmen Rene Memorial School

A second ‘buddy bench’ has been installed on the premises of the Carmen Rene Memorial School. Loverly Sheridan, Founder and Director of Buddy Ambassadors, has over the years facilitated the donation of buddy benches to various schools in Saint Lucia and overseas, including her alma mater, Carmen Rene Memorial. “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully” is an ongoing anti-bullying campaign, designed by Sheridan, based on her program “Buddy Ambassadors” and her book Be a Buddy, Not a Bully. The programme is aimed at children ages 4 to 10 and seeks to raise awareness and help end bullying in schools. The initiative has been well received by the Carmen Rene Memorial School. Staff hope it will foster an environment built on compassion, kindness, and helpfulness, ultimately reducing instances of bullying. “There have been struggles and challenges, but I believe that if our students are provided with opportunities to build that culture, that disposition, it will help curb the bullying situation, which we know is prevalent not only in primary schools but in secondary schools as well,” said Principal Cyiana George. Forty students have also been recognised as Buddy Ambassadors—an honour given to those equipped with skills to promote a buddy culture...