Almost a dozen charity workers have received certification through a partnership between the Non-profit Alliance of Bermuda and the US-based Non-profit Leadership Alliance.

Marjorie Caines, Stacy Hill, Fiona Holmes, Samantha Nearon, Kim Pratt, Susan Richardson, Penny Saltus and Azuree Williams were named Certified Non-profit Professionals, along with NAB team members Shana Williams, Glenn Faries and Nicola Paugh.

The NAB said in a statement: “The CNP credential is recognised as a symbol of excellence in non-profit management and leadership.

“The credentialling programme included six months of virtual learning, an intensive applied project, a three-day leadership conference and four in-person executive leadership sessions.

“In order to obtain the credential, participants must also demonstrate 300 hours of verifiable non-profit work experience and 20 volunteer hours in the prior two years.”

Ms Richardson, the director of counselling services at Family Centre and a participant, described the six-month programme as an “amazing experience”.

“I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to participate,” she said.

“Every module has been relevant and has provided me with the knowledge and skills to thrive as a non-profit leader.

“There are so many rich resources that I now have compiled and will certainly use from here on. Truly, I have learnt so much as a non-profit leader.”

Dr Paugh, the executive director of NAB, added: “This cohort's completion marks a significant milestone in the Non-profit Alliance of Bermuda’s mission to strengthen and unify non-profit and build a pipeline of future non-profit leaders for the island.

“The process was intensive and demonstrates the commitment these individuals have to the non-profit sector and to professional excellence. We acknowledge them for this commitment.

“We also thank the Bermuda Foundation, who subsidise 75 per cent of the programme costs, ensuring that the opportunity is accessibly priced so that cost is not a barrier to professional development.”

Myra Virgil, managing director of the Bermuda Foundation, congratulated the graduates, adding: “The non-profit sector will benefit from the expertise acquired by these outstanding graduates, whose numbers are growing with every cohort.”

• For more information about the Non-profit Alliance of Bermuda, visit www.nonprofitalliance.bm