Do you want to know how to be assertive, increase your word-building skills or get to grips with using your iPad?These are among the new courses you can sign up for as part of the Government’s Community Education and Development Programme.People are being encouraged to make the most of the evening and weekend courses with the spring term running from April 25 to June 13.Courses are held across the Island at venues including Clearwater Middle School, CedarBridge Academy, TN Tatem Middle School and Sandys 360.Among the offerings this year is a course called ‘Assertive Communication for Women’ which aims to help women deal with manipulation and learn how to say no with ease.There’s a word-building skills course to increase your vocabulary skills and give your mind a mental workout. Another course gives you hands-on information about how to make the best use of your iPad and iTunes.There’s also a wide range of health and fitness classes, including water aerobics, kickboxing, Zumba, netball, tennis and yoga.Art, salsa, ballroom and Bollywood dancing, archery, chess, carpentry, gardening, golf, cooking and photography are also available. As are a wide range of computer courses and language courses including French and Spanish.Minister of Youth, Families, Sports and Community Development Glenn Blakeney said community education was “a real opportunity for personal growth for Bermuda’s residents of all ages”.In the foreword of the community education brochure, Mr Blakeney said: “Our aim is to enhance the quality of life of individuals by offering educational, recreational, vocational, technical, personal and professional development courses throughout the year.“It is our desire to encourage a strong sense of community spirit as well as offer residents a second chance to realize their strengths and opportunities to enhance their personal growth and development, and appreciation for the value of becoming a life-long learner.”There is a fee for each course, but ‘Just For Seniors’ courses are free and students benefit from reduced rates.Register for all classes online at www.communityed.gov.bm. Lunchtime registration is also available today at the General Post Office and Washington Mall in Hamilton from midday to 2.30pm.