Axis Capital has confirmed its Gold Level Donor partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Bermuda, and made a donation of $15,000.

The Award’s national director, Traci Burgess, stated: “We are grateful to Axis for their investment in Bermuda’s future.

“Their financial contributions will promote programme development and expansion initiatives that serve more than 700 participants across the island, with a specific focus on enhancing the Award in Bermuda’s public senior schools.”

Chief accounting officer and corporate controller for Axis, James O’Shaughnessy, said: “Axis, like the Award, has a keen interest in community partnerships.

“Axis is a strong supporter of special initiatives and programmes at the Berkeley Institute. A significant number of students from the Berkeley Institute are involved throughout all three levels of the Award programme (Bronze, Silver and Gold), and account for nearly 10 per cent of Bermuda’s annual participation in the Award.

“Our charities committee deemed it extremely valuable to continue our support of the extracurricular and personal development opportunities being provided to Berkeley Institute students through our partnership with the Award.”

AXIS charitable donations committee member Laquita Philpott stated: “We chose to partner with the Award because of the breadth of the programme; its ability to serve a diverse cross-section of youth from all walks of life; and the impact the Award has on enhancing the lives of young people as they mature into adulthood.

“We see the Award as developing future leaders who will make significant contributions to their families, our community and future employers.”

Ms Burgess added: “Award participants are encouraged to think globally and act locally. Our unique programme is proven to help young people discover, develop and achieve their greatest potential.”

The International Award is designed for teens and young adults between the ages of 14 up to 25, while the exclusive Bermuda Bridge Award, hosted by the Bermuda Award, caters to middle school students ages 12 and 13.

According to the press release, throughout all levels of the programme, participants engage in activities involving community service, developing personal skills, physical recreation and adventurous journeys that are conducted both locally and overseas.

At the Gold level of the Award, participants are also required to complete a five-day residential service project.

The Bermuda Award has mentored more than 10,000 locals over the past five decades.

2017 marks the Award’s 50th anniversary in Bermuda and a number of celebratory events are planned for early March, including high profile guests representing the International Award. Alumni and friends are encouraged to join these celebrations. Details will be announced soon.

For more information, telephone 537-4868 or e-mail director@theaward.bm.