A local bank is providing financial support for skills programme through six local charities to enhance employability and financial capabilities.

HSBC is providing $398, 000 for the training of young people through several “Future Skills” programme.

These programmes were identified with the assistance of the Bermuda Community Foundation.

Those that will benefit included the Women’s Resource Centre, Transformational Support Services; the Coalition for the Protection of Children, Roots for Success Programme;

Dynamic Debaters & Learners, The fintech Industry Debate; Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative, Bermuda Educational Enterprise Programme;

Impact Mentoring Academy, Vocational/Alternative High School and Bermuda High School and She Leads: A Real World Readiness Programme.

Clesia Pachai, HSBC Community Investment Manager, said: “In recent times, we have seen how rapid demographic changes and evolution in technologies may lead to a deficiency in employment-linked skills and financial capabilities.

Therefore, it is HSBC’s goal to help people in our community develop the requisite confidence and skill sets to attain financial security and secure jobs today and in the future.

“We are pleased to have identified these reputable community organisations that share this vision and look forward to working with them to execute these initiatives over the coming year.”

The initiatives seek to help deliver impactful, meaningful programmes to the community.

Elaine Butterfield, executive director of Women’s Resource Centre, said, “the Women’s Resource Centre is excited to partner with HSBC to bring the Transformational Support Services programme into existence”.

Ms Butterfield added: “The programme is a combination of targeted support services and partner networking coordinated by the Women’s Resource Centre, to develop and promote self-sufficiency in the lives of 30 disadvantaged women and their families.”

She said the programme aimed to empower these women with the skills and support they need to become economically self sufficient and contributing citizens.

Kelly Hunt, executive director, The Coalition for the Protection of Children, said: “The Roots for Success Programme and our partnership with HSBC allows us to support our clients’ moves towards self-sufficiency through the achievement of full-time employment or successful entrepreneurship.”

She added that practical learning, individualised life coaching, and work shadowing provided empowerment and make long-lasting impacts in the lives of the families through this programme.

“On behalf of our clients, we are grateful to have HSBC’s support of this programme,” Ms Hunt said.