Press Release
In a celebration of ambition, skill, and sisterhood, the Zonta Club of New Providence (ZCNP) marked the close of its 2025 Workforce Readiness Programme, honoring the latest cohort of women who completed the three-week intensive course designed to sharpen their edge in the modern workplace.
Held at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), the graduation ceremony brought together government officials, corporate sponsors, educators, and supporters to recognize the achievements of women who exemplify both resilience and readiness.
The programme offered a comprehensive curriculum that spanned a wide range of essential skills. Participants honed their entrepreneurial abilities, mastered resume writing, and cultivated professional work ethics and office decorum. Practical digital training in the Microsoft suite ensured that participants gained the digital fluency necessary to thrive in today’s technology-driven world. Going beyond the office, the women delved into critical life skills, including understanding domestic violence laws, navigating legal matters such as wills, trusts, and citizenship, and managing personal finances. Health and wellness sessions emphasized self-care and confidence, while the dream board exercise inspired participants to envision and strive for their long-term goals.
Speaking at the ceremony, ZCNP President ACP Janet McKenzie reflected on the depth and impact of the program. “These are not just lessons – they are lifelines,” she noted in her closing address, underscoring the practical and personal transformation the program offers.
Launched in 2012 in partnership with BTVI, Zonta’s Workforce Readiness Programme is designed to empower unemployed and underemployed women ages 25 to 40 giving them an extra edge as they navigate the job market and life as a whole. Since its inception the program has been one of Zonta’s most meaningful initiatives with more than 200 women benefiting from the curriculum to-date.
Graduates received certificates of completion during the evening’s ceremony, with Yvette Ingraham, the immediate past president of Zonta, presenting several participants with scholarships to pursue further studies at BTVI. The event also featured remarks from BTVI Vice President Kevin Basden, and a testimonial from past participant Andrea Carter, whose experience in the program has had a lasting impact on her professional journey. Congratulatory remarks were delivered by Latia Duncombe, Director General at the Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, who encouraged graduates to embrace the skills they’ve gained as stepping stones to even greater achievements.
In a show of international and community support, Chinese Ambassador H.E. Yan Jiarong presented a donation on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, one of several organizations that helped make the 2025 program possible. In addition to the Chinese Embassy, corporate entities such as the Templeton Foundation, Summit Insurance Company, Caribbean Bottling, and CIBC offered support for the program through their corporate sponsorship.
The Zonta Club of New Providence, a member of Zonta International since 1997, remains committed to building a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy. The club looks forward to welcoming a new cohort to the Workforce Readiness Program in 2026, continuing a legacy of empowerment and growth.
