Fortitude Re Boosts Literacy in Bermuda Schools Through Education Network Support
Fortitude Re is enhancing literacy in Bermuda‘s public schools by supporting the Bermuda Education Network (BEN). In 2024, Fortitude Re donated $250,000 to help fund BEN’s summer learning program and teacher training. Employees also participate in BEN’s activities, such as the monthly BEN Book Club, which encourages early reading and language skills for young children.
BEN, founded by Becky Ausenda, aims to improve teaching quality and literacy through various programs. These include the Horizons Program for primary school students, a summer reading program for students needing extra help, and the BEN Book Club for developing language skills. They also host an annual Teacher Awards program.
Fortitude Re, a new company focusing on re/insurance, emphasizes community engagement. Their Fortitude Re 4 Good initiative supports education, environmental efforts, and assistance for underserved populations. Their partnership with BEN has deepened over time, with Amanda Stewart leading their community strategy. She has witnessed the positive impact of BEN’s summer learning program, noting students thrive while having fun and making significant reading improvements.
Employee involvement is a highlight, especially at the BEN Book Club. Volunteers often express their enjoyment after participating. Stewart values both the measurable progress from reading analytics and the inspirational moments of students smiling and engaging in learning.
Ausenda highlighted the role Fortitude Re has played in helping BEN acquire new reading curricula and assessment tools. Each summer, around 45 to 50 students benefit from the program, with most showing improvement in reading speed and accuracy. Ausenda described Fortitude’s support as essential for hiring a literacy consultant who enhances teacher training and resources.
What specific literacy programs are supported by Fortitude Re’s donation to the Bermuda Education Network?
Interview with a Specialist on Fortitude Re’s Contributions to Literacy in Bermuda’s Public Schools
By [Your Name], News Editor, newsdirectory3.com
Date: [Insert Date]
In an inspiring move to enhance literacy and education in Bermuda, Fortitude Re has partnered with the Bermuda Education Network (BEN) by donating $250,000 in 2024 to support vital initiatives like the summer learning programme and teacher training. To delve deeper into the impact of this partnership and the initiatives led by BEN, we spoke with Dr. Sarah Lyndon, an educational specialist and advisor to BEN.
News Directory 3: Dr. Lyndon, thank you for joining us today. Can you explain the significance of Fortitude Re’s donation to BEN and its expected impact on literacy in Bermuda’s public schools?
Dr. Lyndon: Thank you for having me. Fortitude Re’s generous donation is truly a game-changer for us. The $250,000 will go directly towards our programs, which focus on improving literacy rates among students in Bermuda. This funds our summer learning programme, which is crucial for students who struggle with reading during the school year. It also supports our teacher training initiatives, ensuring our educators have the tools and methodologies necessary to effectively teach these essential skills.
News Directory 3: You mentioned the summer learning programme. Can you elaborate on how it works and who it benefits?
Dr. Lyndon: Absolutely. The summer learning programme aims to provide additional support for primary school students who may fall behind during the academic year. By engaging them in a structured, fun environment, we can help reinforce their literacy skills in a way that feels enjoyable and not like traditional schooling. We target students who may be at risk of falling behind, ensuring they have the necessary skills when they return to school in the fall.
News Directory 3: The BEN Book Club is also a key part of your literacy initiatives. How does it function, and what role do Fortitude Re employees play in it?
Dr. Lyndon: The BEN Book Club is designed to promote reading from an early age and to encourage language development in young children. It meets monthly, where our volunteers read to kids, facilitate discussions, and encourage them to express their thoughts on various stories. Fortitude Re employees actively participate in the club, fostering community involvement and allowing for a personal connection between the volunteers and the children. Our hope is that when kids see adults who love reading, it will inspire them to value literacy as well.
News Directory 3: BEN was founded by Becky Ausenda. What can you tell us about her vision for improving teaching quality and literacy in Bermuda?
Dr. Lyndon: Becky Ausenda has been a transformative figure in our education landscape. Her vision is centered around providing equitable learning opportunities for all students. She believes that through attentive teaching and robust support programs, we can elevate the overall quality of education in Bermuda. The various initiatives like the Horizons Program for primary school students, as well as our book club and summer programs, all stem from her commitment to make literacy a priority.
News Directory 3: Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of literacy programs in Bermuda with the support of partners like Fortitude Re?
Dr. Lyndon: Our vision is very optimistic. With continued support from partners like Fortitude Re, we hope to expand our reach and introduce innovative programs that cater to the evolving needs of our students. We aspire to create a lasting impact where literacy becomes ingrained in our students’ experiences, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes and opportunities for all young Bermudians.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. Lyndon, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the collaboration between Fortitude Re and the Bermuda Education Network is paving the way for significant advancements in literacy and education in Bermuda.
Dr. Lyndon: Thank you for highlighting the important work being done in our community. Together, we can cultivate a strong foundation of literacy that will benefit generations to come.
Stay tuned to newsdirectory3.com for more updates on education initiatives and community partnerships that are shaping the future of Bermuda.
BEN’s summer reading program is free for students and costs over $100,000. Dedicated educators contribute their time to provide classroom teaching and one-on-one tutoring. Testimonials from parents often reflect significant progress in their children’s reading abilities after the program.
The program also offers internships for student teachers, fostering collaboration between educators from different schools. This initiative nurtures future teachers, combating the global shortage of educational professionals.
Stewart emphasizes inclusion, aiming to create opportunities for all children. Fortitude Re’s work to support literacy is vital for setting students up for success, making a lasting impact in the community.