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 at the school.
Buddy Ambassador Amir Victor shared his excitement: “I feel good to be a Buddy Ambassador. I feel strong, like I can improve my behaviour in the classroom now that I have this responsibility. I’m here to be a buddy to others—whether they need a friend, someone to talk to, or someone to play with, I’m your guy.”
Fellow Buddy Ambassador Taijahn Common added, “I feel very happy and excited to be a Buddy Ambassador. I plan to help my schoolmates by being kind, helping them with their schoolwork, and encouraging them.”
According to Principal George, the school hopes that eventually every student will hold the title of Buddy Ambassador.
Founder Loverly Sheridan remains dedicated to addressing bullying in schools. “Worldwide, we see an increase in bullying in schools, and we want to empower our boys and girls to be buddies. We know that bullies are children too. I don’t believe they are bad kids; they’re often making bad choices due to deeper issues, and we need to address that,” said Sheridan.
