The Crisis Centre has organized the Green Ribbon Campaign for the past several years to target school-aged children in their awareness of non-violent conflict resolution techniques, respect, peace and healthy communication strategies in primary and secondary schools throughout the Bahamas.

This idea came about as a result of concern over the growing incidences of violence in our schools and our nation. As we feel that the lack of awareness and regard for non-violent and pro-social behaviours contribute to the growing violence in our nation, the Centre decided to focus on the whole issue of peace, love and respect in an effort to engender healthier peer relationships and school safety and, thereby, a safer, healthier nation.

We are consequently collaborating with other government and non-government agencies in planning a massive peace campaign to mobilize our schools, public and private to participate in activities, including morning assemblies and competitions. The competitions will include essay writing, art, rap, cheerleading and step competition and entries will judged on the most dynamic presentations on ways to create a peaceful environment for our young people.

Our theme this year is ‘ Catch Yourself – Don’t Wreck Yourself- Violence Is Out of Style” which was chosen by students who felt the words would catch the interest of young people and encourage their interest in participating and working toward peace in their schools and communities.

As bullying is one of the issues that concern us greatly, we hope that the schools involved in the campaign will also design and develop a written anti-bullying policy, specific to the surroundings and experiences of the students in their particular schools.