The PACE Foundation hosts Character Day Bahamas with the primary goal of engaging the public in conversations that promote positive action and strengthen society through intentional character development. Since The Bahamas joined the global Character Day movement in 2016, the initiative has evolved into a nationally recognized platform that supports educators, youth workers, businesses, families, and communities in fostering positive character strengths and values.
Underpinned by ten years of insight and practice, Character Day Bahamas (CDB) 2026–2029 seeks to strengthen character ecosystems across schools, workplaces, and communities throughout The Bahamas. Through professional development workshops, digital resources, small grants, and community partnerships, the initiative equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and experiences needed to intentionally cultivate character strengths such as empathy, resilience, integrity, kindness, and courage.
The project is increasingly important considering growing concerns regarding the cognitive, social, and emotional development of young people, including challenges related to anxiety, resilience, empathy, ethical decision-making, and meaningful interpersonal connections. Character Day Bahamas provides opportunities for reflection, dialogue, and action to encourage individuals and organisations to intentionally strengthen positive values and behaviours.
The annual observance of Character Day will continue to take place on the second Wednesday in October. The 2026 national theme will be Courage, while themes for 2027 and 2028 will be determined through stakeholder consultation and reflection on emerging societal needs.
Because the earliest grant start date is September 1, 2026, the project will continue its longstanding tradition of preparing educators and stakeholders for Character Day through summer webinars prior to the receipt of grant funds. The webinars will provide inspiration, planning guidance, and professional development opportunities to participants across the archipelago using a cost-effective and accessible hybrid approach. Resource packages and promotional materials will instead be distributed during September and October following receipt of funding.
This next phase of the initiative also reflects intentional succession planning and capacity building within the project. A Family Island representative who has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to Character Day Bahamas will now serve as Project Lead, expanding stakeholder representation within the project structure. Charlene Carey, previous Project Lead, will continue to support the initiative in a reduced strategic advisory capacity to ensure continuity, mentorship, and institutional memory. As a result of this leadership transition, the organization will recruit and onboard a new Family Island representative to maintain and expand regional engagement capacity.
Character Day Bahamas seeks to deepen its national impact by expanding Family Island engagement, strengthening workplace character education initiatives, increasing accessibility to locally relevant multimedia resources, and enhancing the implementation and evaluation of character education activities throughout The Bahamas.