Strategic report / Sustainability & ESG
OCI’s focus on community
OCI supports initiatives that focus on advancing education, technology and sustainability. This section highlights the organisations and work we support in our community.
Initiatives supported by OCI include:
Reading Clinic and Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute ('BUEI')
As part of its new community strategy, in 2024 OCI began supporting the installation of solar panels for certain charities in Bermuda.
The first project, completed in May 2024, was the installation of an 11.1 kW solar photovoltaic system for the Reading Clinic. The Reading Clinic runs programmes to equip children who have learning differences with the self-understanding, tools, and confidence they need to thrive in school and beyond. As a small island, Bermuda is heavily dependent on the importation of fuel oil and diesel to generate power, which is costly for residents and organisations. The Reading Clinic’s solar panel system is already generating electricity in its first year of operation, providing energy-related cost savings and helping The Reading Clinic move towards energy independence for the next 25 years. This will allow The Reading Clinic to allocate operational savings towards their programmes and the children of Bermuda.
OCI has also donated to the installation of bifacial solar panels for the BUEI buildings. This larger project is still underway at the time of reporting.
Installed
11.1kW
solar photovoltaic system
Provides
25
years of energy independence
The Reading Clinic would like to thank Oakley Capital Investments for their donation of the solar array to our organisation. We are grateful for your support and are already seeing the gains from the installation. Thank you for believing in the services that we offer and for supporting intervention services that can impact the educational trajectory of children’s lives.”
Martina Harris Executive Director of The Reading Clinic
Bermuda College Foundation
In 2022, OCI committed to funding the phased upgrade and expansion of the Bermuda College Aquaponics Lab. Phase I of the project included upgrading the original solar powered aquaponics lab to support the College’s aquaponics programme and other related courses in 2023. Phase II of the project was completed in 2024 with the opening of a purpose-built facility with an expanded modular system that will provide increased production and serve as a living laboratory for the small business management and entrepreneurial courses offered by Bermuda College. Students have the opportunity to operate and run the facility as a small business. The lab also offers experiential learning opportunities through lab experiments, student workshops and field trips, and has successfully produced a variety of crops.
The Phase II expansion also includes a greenhouse that will serve to introduce hydroponics to the curriculum as another option to address food security. This is a particularly important programme as Bermuda faces a critical challenge with food security, given the island’s reliance on food imports approaching 90%.
Oakley Capital Investments Limited is very proud to support Bermuda College with a new and innovative Aquaponics Laboratory. This food sustainability project effectively combines technology with education to inspire talented Bermudians.”
Fiona Beck OCI Independent Non-Executive Director
Endeavour Programme
In 2022 OCI launched a three-year grant scheme with Endeavour to support the Middle School programme. This enables students to participate in a learning programme applying Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (‘STEAM’) concepts to sailing. During the 2022/23 school year, 100% of students in their first year of middle school from all schools in Bermuda engaged in the programme, with 95% of students reporting improved problem-solving skills as well as improved self-confidence and a greater awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship.
For more information on Endeavour, please see the 2022/23 Impact Report here.
544
Participating students
95%
Reporting improved problem-solving skills
We are incredibly thankful for Oakley Capital Investments Limited’s generous support of Endeavour that enables us to positively impact Bermuda's youth!”
Jennifer Pitcher Executive Director
Bermuda Education Network
In 2024, OCI kicked off a three-year donation programme with the Bermuda Education Network (‘BEN’) in recognition of the impact of the BEN literacy programme which is focused on improving the reading proficiency of Bermuda’s children. In 2023 a total of 2,645 students received BEN’s services including 46 families who received free activities and books through the BEN Book Club and 44 students who completed the Summer Learning Programme. OCI looks forward to sharing 2024 programme outcomes following the publication of the BEN’s 2024 Annual Report.
2,645
Students received services
114
Teachers received support