The Diversity Institute of Bermuda (DIB) has partnered with the Bermuda College to offer courses on diversity, equity and human rights.

The seminars will be part of a mandatory course for first-year college students.

'College Skills Course' aims to teach students the skill sets required for the workplace and how to apply them. The six seminars are also designed to encourage a proactive view of education.

Said David Northcott, project coordinator for DIB; "DIB is committed to providing tools to help young people in their development especially around their role in civic society.

"Therefore, the board decided upon a project to address the need for education for young people on civic engagement, democracy and social justice, involving college students. The series of six seminars started in October 2009, with a second seminar in November 2009 and the remaining four being run once a month from January to April 2010.

Each seminar is hosted and run by different individuals in the community who have both an interest and experience in the relevant topic area."

Bermuda College counsellor and CSC coordinator Nikkita Scott said the course is designed to support development in eight competency areas social/life skills, communication skills, information competency skills, action skills, decision making skills, critical thinking skills, value sets and civic duty.

"The feedback from students has been gratifyingly positive, since the seminars are both interactive and informative, and offer students a chance to express their voice on matters that concern them," said a DIB spokesman. "DIB and the Bermuda College are hoping to build on the success of the seminars by introducing a more formal course on diversity, human rights and equity next year."

Persons interested in participating in upcoming seminars should contact project co-ordinator David Northcott: davidnorthcottgmail.com.