develop and run diversity workshops kicked off this week at the Bermuda College.

The Experience Based Diversity Learning and Training Programme is being run by the Diversity Institute Of Bermuda -- a non-profit organisation dedicated to creating an environment, through education and research, which promotes awareness and appreciation of human differences.

The Institute's Executive Director Ernestine DeGraff said: "The challenge for Bermuda is to build a community where our diversity is valued.

"The Diversity Institute has made a strategic decision to create a faculty of local individuals who possess excellent skills and expertise to make this idea a reality.'' Lionel Cann, a trainer participating in the programme, said: "With requests for diversity services from individuals, corporations and groups motivated by both awareness and legislation, I wanted to be a part of the Diversity Institute's call to action to service those needs.'' The training is taking place at the Bank of Bermuda's international Banking Centre at the Bermuda College.

Cummings Zuill, a Senior Vice President of the Bank of Bermuda and Diversity Trustee and trainer, said: "As a Bermudian with a deep love and respect for this Island, I feel privileged to be a part of the Institute as we develop adult learning skills.

"The programme for the four weeks has been designed to produce a pool of trainers who will be skilled in delivering adult learning situations that embrace diversity for ourselves and pass on the philosophy to our children.'' Funding for the programme has come from the Bank of Bermuda Centennial Trust with matching funds from Tyco Bermuda, the ACE Foundation, Annuity and Life Re., Bacardi International Ltd., the Bank of N.T. Butterfield, OIL Management Limited, Renaissance Reinsurance Ltd., and participants' fees.