Hands up if you think the words "back to school" have a happy ring for everyone. Now go to the back of the class if you answered 'yes'.

The reality is that there are many families in Bermuda, and specifically low-income families, for whom preparing their children for the new school year is a financial nightmare, not because they discount the importance of education for their children but rather because their earning power is such that, despite being hard workers, they struggle simply to provide the basics of daily life.

Providing the mandatory components of a school uniform is an expensive business ? possibly as much as $500 per child for the basics ? before such things as rain gear, school bags, lunch boxes, pens, pencils, bus passes and more are factored in.

Just how critical things have become for so many low-income families has been unearthed during door-to-door canvassing in the Pembroke area by Opposition Senator Gina Spence-Farmer.

When the members of Young United Bermuda (YUB), the youth wing of the United Bermuda Party, learned of the plight of such families they were determined to do something significant to help them.

So on Thursday, August 24 a big 'Back to School Bash' is taking place at the public playground on Parson's Road, Pembroke.

Not only will in-need families be helped with school supplies, but also several community organisations are to be honoured for their unswerving devotion to helping families and children. Receiving awards will be the Sunshine League, the Coalition for the Protection of Young Children, The Centre, and Teen Services.

"We really want to contribute to these organisations because they have been in the trenches for years, and they give people a second chance through their work," Senator Spence-Farmer says. "A lot of times they are overlooked, so we want to let them know how much we appreciate what they do. Often they are the saving grace."

In terms of school supplies, the Senator says: "We have a community outreach programme wherein we partner with Gibbons Company, the Uniform Shop, the English Sports Shop, all of whom provide school uniforms, and the People's Pharmacy, so we will be giving out 500 school bags, 100 bus passes, and $100 vouchers for people to purchase items for their children.

"These businesses have really worked with us so that we can help more families, and I want to thank them all. Every single one of them has met us half way to get supplies for us to give to the families. I am really excited about this project."

In addition, a family who fell on hard times after the father was diagnosed with cancer are to receive a special presentation to assist with their five children's school needs.

Although Senator Spence-Farmer says families in dire need have been identified in advance to receive supplies, others within Pembroke parish will also be eligible to receive similar items on a 'first come, first served' basis through special, numbered tickets available at the gate.

"We will pick a number and whoever's number is called will be able to choose a bus pass, a $100 voucher or a school bag."

Of course, no family-oriented event would be complete without live entertainment, so among those lined up thus far are: Teen Idol Willard Burch, singer Joy Barnum, Tiny T, DJ Jam Slam, Liturgical Dance, and the ever-popular gombeys.

Thursday's end of summer jam will be broadcast live on Power 95, and Senator Spence-Farmer reveals that a special highlight will be a six-a-side football game pitting "youth against their uncles and cousins" for which there will be trophies, presentations and plaques.

Pastor Duwayne Simons will give the opening prayer, while YUB, De Boys Day Out and Bermuda College will each man an information booth.

"It is going to be a big block party," Senator Spence-Farmer promises. "So far the response has been absolutely phenomenal. People are really appreciative of the fact that we are meeting a need.

"There are hundreds of low-income families who need assistance, and we want to be able to assist as many of them as possible by providing school supplies."

Helping YUB to coordinate the big 'Back to School Bash' are Tillman Darrell, candidate for Constituency 21, and Keith Young. The starting time is 6 p.m., admission is free, and there will be plenty of food and soft drink for sale.

For further information Mr. Young at 292-5849 or cell 333-8212 or Mr. Darrell at cell 505-8330.