HARRINGTON Sound Primary, the only Government school on the island in the programme, played host to ten students from Peru as part of the International School to School Experience (ISSE).

The exchange proved to be a major success.

Due to circumstances beyond the school's control, plans to host students from Philadelphia last year fell through, and as one student put it: "What a sad day it was. But, like the weather, after the storm there is calm. We are back on track and this year have guests from Peru."

Special thanks went to Mrs. Anne Hines, a former physical education teacher, for her involvement in the programme.

The students, whose ages range from ten to 12, stayed with different members of the school's Primary Six students, who introduced them during the daily assembly. The Peruvian contingent consisted of Agatha Amesquita, Edgar Retamozo, Milagros Rodriguez, Alejandra Linares, Andres Soto, Ximena Aquize, Alejandra Avendano, Monica Ramos, Eduardo Diaz and Maria Delgado.

Principal Mrs. Beverly Daniels has every reason to be proud of her young charges as they introduced the visiting students and shared their similarities and (few) differences.

Monica Arenas Ramos, one of the visiting students, leads a full life outside of school. An only child, Monica is an avid artist and loves listening to music. She feels this trip is beneficial since she will be able to improve her English, meet new people and be more independent.

Trilingual Alejandra Abarca Linares speaks Spanish, English and a little French and is also a budding artist who enjoys science and using the computer. As with any pre-teen, she also enjoys music, socialising with friends and spending quality time with her mother and chatting online with her friends on the Internet. Prior to his visit, Eduardo kept in touch with his local host by telephone and e-mail.

Agatha Amesquita was equally excited about being in Bermuda where she hopes to broaden her knowledge on local culture and to increase her proficiency in English.

The local students wasted no time in being the consummate "ambassadors of tourism" in being gracious hosts. With Bermuda being a melting pot of sorts, the students made a smooth transition into the "Bermy lifestyle" and coincidentally share the same pastimes with their local counterparts.

ISSE proved to be a successful programme that will hopefully gain popularity in schools island-wide.