Bermuda College is developing a strategic ten-year plan in order to "move forward to a brighter and more dynamic future".

The publicly-funded college, which has seen falling roll numbers in recent years, is calling the initiative Imagine BC 2018 and is asking members of the community to join focus groups to help develop the plan.

President Duranda Greene, in a letter inviting stakeholders to get involved, wrote: "The college is committed to meeting the needs and expectations of the community and the charge given to the President... to implement a strategic ten-year plan.

"We will engage in visioning sessions with established focus groups using the approach of 'Appreciative Inquiry' which is a process for implementing positive change."

The letter explained that the college did a similar venture in 2005 when it established a three-year plan for the future, identifying 11 critical issues and coming up with programmes including one for Bermuda Regiment soldiers, a culinary arts scheme at Westgate Jail and a certified accountants' course.

Dr. Greene added: "As we move forward to a brighter and more dynamic future, we are seeking input from the community."

Evelyn James Barnett, the college's director of communications, told The Royal Gazette this week there was not much to report on Imagine BC 2018 yet but a launch event had been held with all Bermuda College employees.

Ms Barnett also clarified the situation for Bermudians wanting to benefit from the free Bermuda College education on offer from Government.

The idea was proposed in last year's Throne Speech and included in the recent Budget, at a cost of about $1 million to taxpayers.

Ms Barnett explained that Government will pay for tuition costs for students enrolled on a credit course at the college from August this year.

She said those who fail or withdraw from a course will not be required to pay the money back but would have to fund the course themselves if they decided to retake it.