Enrolment in community education programmes increased by a sixth last term.

Fall term registration rose by 15 percent, with 1,489 people participating in courses.

The number of residents in the east of Bermuda who enrolled almost doubled, with a 48 percent increase on 2008.

Neletha Butterfield, Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, announced the figures to MPs in the House of Assembly on Friday.

She said since the Community Education and Development Programme began in 1980, 102,285 people have taken part in courses.

Among the youth development programmes are languages and martial arts. Senior can take part in computer literacy, healthy cooking, neighbourhood safety and yoga.

Personal and professional training and development courses include accounting, tiling, carpentry, masonry, computer technology and electrics.

Ms Butterfield said: "The primary purpose of the programme is to advocate and provide opportunities to all residents to enhance their social and economic well-being for the betterment of the community at large."

The Minster said: "We will build upon the success of the Fall term 2009 and continue to grow from strength to strength in 2010, which I note will represent 30 years of service to our community."