Several Bermudian women moved closer to economic stability, and perhaps setting up their own business, when they graduated from the Department of Human Affairs’ first Community Driven Development (CDD) programme yesterday.

The programme has been designed to help women strengthen their skills, allowing them eventually to become self sufficient.

Ten of the participants enrolled in the General Educational Development course and two passed the Professional and Career Education course.

Eleven of the 13 graduates were presented with certificates at a ceremony held at the Cathedral.

The Human Rights Commission, Bermuda Women’s Council and ACE Women’s Forum all contributed to the programme.

“The approach is divided into six months of workshops and site visits and six months of work shadowing,” said project coordinator Jane Brett.

“CDD was brought to Bermuda in early 2013. We launched it in commemoration of International Women’s Day, under the auspices of the Bermuda Women’s Council. Participants were drawn to the programme by referrals from other departments in our Ministry as well as word of mouth.

“This process also involves educating our participants on the very important element of business planning with the ultimate goal that they would be instrumental in starting a business.”

Ministry Secretary Wayne Kerry spoke on behalf of Minister Wayne Scott, who attended but was unwell.

“I am very pleased to be here to congratulate these courageous woman who have made history by successfully completing Bermuda’s first CDD programme,” said Mr Kerry.

“I am attributing the word courageous to them because last year these women made a bold decision to pick up the challenge, to change and improve their lives.

“The CDD concept, which was brought from the UK to Bermuda, has been tailored to suit our needs.

“It has evolved and grown as a result of the participants, the volunteers and of course the team at the Department of Human Affairs and the Ministry of Community, Culture and Sports who will continue to support this programme and herald its success.”

The graduates were Cynthia Mayers, Dawn Matthew, Tunya Trott, Linda Ford, Deborah Place, Teresa Williams, Waynisha Butterfield, Zarah Fubert, Cyrika Dowling, Lori Lee, Oenika Darrell, Norma Daniels and Ronika Glasgow.

The classes for 2015 have already began at ACE Women’s Forum.