The Adult Education School has marked its 50th anniversary by renovating its premises and introducing a new literacy programme.

Following a cash donation from the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, the facility has been turned into an environment which is aesthetically pleasing, professional, modern and safe, a press conference was told on Monday.

Meanwhile, the school has set up the Foundational Literacy Programme to support learners with poor reading skills. Funded by Bank of Bermuda and Montpelier Reinsurance, the scheme provides direct instruction in reading, writing and spelling.

The Dundonald Street school serves between 150 and 200 adult learners per year, ranging from 16 years old to older than 40. Many are teenagers who have dropped out of their former secondary schools.

David Lang, director and secretary of the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, said: "The Adult Education School fills a void in the community and begins its work where the traditional educational stream stops.

"There are multiple reasons why people opt back in. The Adult Educational School plays an important role in providing opportunities for people to resume their educational studies on their road to success.

"Bank of Bermuda Foundation recognises the importance education plays in the development of the Island's young people and the wider community and hope our contribution will assist the Adult Education School in fulfilling its mandate."

Donna Daniels, executive director of the school, said benefits were already being seen.

"Attendance has improved with students not only coming on a more regular basis but teachers have noted an increase in student engagement with the learning process," she said.

"We can account to our sponsors that money invested in education at the Adult Education School is truly well spent and yields great returns."

Bank of Bermuda's chief executive officer Philip Butterfield said: "A strong educational system is one of the most important hallmarks of a successful society. At Bank of Bermuda, we contribute significantly toward educational initiatives with the public and private sector each year."