Registration for an after-school programme aimed at Portuguese Bermudians has opened, with costs for returning students now lowered.

The Portuguese School of Bermuda announced on Monday that minimum donations to join the school have been temporarily lowered to $250 for returning students and $300 for first-time pupils.

The school, which is run by the Portuguese Cultural Association of Bermuda, a registered charity, has also developed a bursary programme for families who struggle to afford instruction.

The cash for the bursary was created using additional funds from charity donors.

The Portuguese School of Bermuda teaches primary school-aged children Portuguese as a second language in accordance with framework from the Camões – Institute of Co-operation and Language Public Institute, also known as Camões IP.

Richard Ambrosio, the head of PCAB, said: “We will be working with Camões IP to examine every aspect of our teaching, including, but not limited to, the curriculum, continual professional development for the teacher, and the number of contact hours with students.

“In the longer term, we will work to develop a form of international recognition for certificates of completion, which may include working towards sitting older students for their GCSE in Portuguese.”

Payment must be submitted by September 27 to confirm attendance.

The payment can also be split in two, with the first half of the payment being placed the same day and the rest being paid on January 10, 2025.

Classes will start on September 23 and will be held in-person at the Portuguese School classroom on the ground floor of the Vasco da Gama Club on Reid Street.

More information about the upcoming year, as well as the registration form, can be found at the PCAB website.