A group of local charity workers are set to bring new skills to the non-profit sector after they graduated from the Non-profit Leadership Development Programme.

A total of 11 people from Bermuda non-profit received their graduation certificates this week through the University of Milwaukee programme with the support of the Bermuda Community Foundation.

Myra Virgil, managing director of the BCF, said: “In light of the year we have just gone through with the pandemic, we know more than ever how important it is that the non-profit sector is professionally qualified for the job.

“Since March, vulnerable and unemployed people in Bermuda have been fed, sheltered and cared for by essential service non-profit.

“Other non-profit have also had a challenging year. Bermuda’s non-profit need to be sustained, and this requires qualified and competent leadership.”

Dr Virgil said participants studied online, met with mentors and engaged with a network of industry professionals through talks and presentations about fundraising, boards, volunteer development, leadership and strategic planning.

She added: “It’s a rigorous programme but all graduates tell us they have found it valuable, particularly acknowledging the opportunity it has provided to network with peers and non-profit leadership.”

This year’s graduates include Claire Grenfell, Chelsea Jacobs, Collette Simmons, Keri Pacheco, Mychel Jones, Karen Simmons, Fiona Holmes, Leslie Grant, Julia Clarke, Hannah Collins and Margot Shane.

The graduates represent numerous non-profits including Summerhaven, Waterstart, Gina Spence Productions, Raleigh Bermuda, Impact Mentoring Academy, the Chewstick Foundation, the Mirrors Programme, Focus Counselling Services, the Family Centre, the Bermuda Cricket Board and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bermuda.