Bermuda's Big Brothers and Big Sisters organisation headed for the Big Apple last month in an exchange trip with their New York counterparts.

The group was set up to give adult role models to children from broken homes.

Enjoying the trip were Big Sister and Progressive Labour Party Sen. Patrice Parris with her Little Sister Zakiya Burchall, 13, and Big Brother and retired Policeman Charles Williams and Little Brother Amaury Symonds, nine.

Accompanying the group were organisation case workers Doris DeCosta and Cliftina Stevens who organised the exchange trip.

Their hectic schedule took in New York's best attractions, but it was not all pleasure seeking.

Mrs. DeCosta, who is originally from New York, said: "We helped out in a soup kitchen. I was really impressed with the organisation of it. I never realised how much you needed to do to keep 350 people fed.

"It really made an impression on Zakiya. She's never been to New York. She even said that when she came back she'd like to help the homeless here.

"We had a great time but I've never been so exhausted as they gave us a real New York experience. They looked at every detail to make sure we were comfortable and safe.

"Zakiya loved the Mets game -- it really took her away. She wanted to be on the stadium screen so bad she fell over the seats trying to get on camera but she made it in the end.'' Plans are underway for the return visit to Bermuda.

Mrs. DeCosta said: "We were going to have them over for Cup Match, but everything would be closed up.

"Since meeting the New York people we have kept in touch via the e-mail.'' She added: "The programme helps youngsters develop social skills -- children get more confident. It makes them feel they can fit in anywhere in the world.'' The programme is considering links with Russia and Barbados. Mrs. DeCosta said: "That would be great, though we don't know how much more we can do.'' And she urged more males to get involved in the programme.

"We have 68 boys wanting to be matched compared with just nine girls,'' she said.

"We need more men to help out. It only takes an hour a week and it's so rewarding.'' Big friends: Pictured at back, from left, are Cliftina Stevens, caseworker of Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bermuda, Valerie Stark, Project Coordinator Exchange -NYC Gillian Director, Assistant Project Coordinator - NYC Curtis Robinson, Little Brother - NYC Daniella Moldmado, Little Sister -- NYC Clemencia Hernandez, Big Sister - NYC. Pictured in front row, from left, are Doris DeCosta, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bermuda, Zakiya Burchall, Little Sister - Bermuda.

ZAKIYA'S JOURNAL August 4 Zakiya enjoyed her New York trip even if she managed to miss the plane after oversleeping.

But it was worth the wait when she caught up with the others.

She said: "I waited at the baggage section, then one of the case workers came with two beautiful people that I would stay with. They were so fun.'' After refuelling at McDonalds and taking in the Broadway show "Cats'' she headed back. "I took the train home for the first time in my whole life.'' August 5 Birthday girl Zakiya was awoken with a flammable feast.

She says: "Wow, what a surprise. Clemencia and Patrice had a cookie with a candle that was lighted up and said `Surprise'. They scared me.'' However, New Yorkers at the zoo were less friendly.

She says: "Some people don't care about you. They are rude and don't speak.

But I am not going to let that mess up my trip, as long as I know I am doing the right thing. The good Lord will reward me for it.'' After observing bears, lions, turtles, hogs, "the hogs were so big'' and fish the hungry gang went for a meal.

"We ate and it was time for dessert and these guys are so good they must have got the waitress to sing `Happy Birthday' to me. I was so, so surprised to see them singing.'' August 6 Zakiya was still feeling on top of the world the next day.

She says: "We went to the Empire State Building. It was so nice because you can see the whole city of New York.

"We had so much fun I want to come back again.'' August 7 "We went shopping. I bought two CDs. After that we fed food to the homeless people. I had so much food I will like to do that again sometime.

"We went to see a baseball game. I was so hype I got my foot stuck between the chairs as I pushed to be on TV.

"It was so fun. I'm not really a baseball fan but I enjoyed myself a lot so I lost my voice and I'm not pleased but well, there's nothing I can do.

"Well what I think about New York -- it's big. I would like to live here and make lots of money. It's a very big and I will come and move. Thank you.'' AMAURY'S JOURNAL August 4 Refreshments were needed upon arriving in New York.

Amaury writes: "When we arrived at the agency everyone ate bagels except me who was so busy drinking orange juice to make me explode.'' He worked it off playing frisbee with Charles in Central Park.

"Then we went to the toy store (that made me happy). Later on we went to see "Cats''. I can't tell you much about it because I slept most of the show.

"After "Cats'' we went back to where we were staying and went to sleep (I was relieved).'' August 5 "We woke up and went to the agency on the subway again, tired as ever. This time everyone had bagels.'' This was followed by a trip to the zoo where Amaury saw his favourite animal -- the cheetah.

"We finally went back to the agency to try to buy stuff for Game Boy (because I didn't know I needed a credit card.)'' August 6 Amaury went up in the world on Friday. He explains: "We went to the Empire State Building and waited 25 minutes to go to the 86th floor and from there we saw Central Park, The Statue of Liberty, the twin towers and the Met Life building.'' August 7 "7.30 a.m. I woke up and stayed in bed for eight minutes. We went to church and the subway stunk.

"We arrived at the church and did some volunteer work. Patrice, Clifftina and me were filling people's cups with lemonade.''