A programme intended to offer comprehensive education and life skills training for women recently celebrated its first graduating class after years of challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Seven women formally graduated the Women’s Resource Centre’s Transformational Support Services Programme in a ceremony at HSBC Bermuda.

Elaine Butterfield, WRC Consultant said: “The programme in its first year was offered to ten women and was intended to finish in 2020, however, due to the pandemic was put on hold.

“In spite of the delays, the seven final graduates were commended for persevering through what we can agree was one of the world’s toughest times.

“It was an emotional event as the graduates received certificates, gifts and words of encouragement in celebration of their achievements and this milestone.”

The programme is intended to offer training, education and support for participants to help them move forward with strength and confidence.

The process includes needs-assessments, empowerment education, job training, employability skills development, transitioning and ongoing support.

A WRC spokeswoman said that two of the graduates have become entrepreneurs, starting their own businesses, while two started work towards their GEDs at the Adult Education School and three have found work including both of the GED students.

Clesia Pachai, community investment manager at programme sponsor HSBC Bermuda, said: “This programme offers women a unique opportunity to network, collaborate, learn from one another and grow together.

“We hope the new relationships they have fostered and memories they have made over the past year will be moments they will be able to look back on and be proud of.

“There were many organisations and individuals who helped bring this programme to fruition, all of which continue to have a vested and genuine interest in seeing each woman be successful.

“On behalf of HSBC, I would like to thank those people and organisations for their time, services and efforts in delivering this opportunity to our community.”

A second class is set to launch for women in the community in September while the programme will simultaneously be offered for residents of the WRC’s Transformational Living Centre.