back for restoring teachers' pay for after-school activities.

Coalition head Mrs. Sheelagh Cooper said the extra-curricular programme had proved a major self-esteem booster among youngsters. And she believed it was a contributing factor in Bermudians' interest and success in sports and fitness activities.

"We had numerous calls from parents asking what they could do to get the programme back,'' she said. "I know the National Parent Teacher Association was very concerned about it.

"We are very pleased Government has recognised the value of it and has put the resources in place to reinstate it.'' The Budget announced on Monday reinstated teachers' pay for after-school activities as of April 11. And pay for sabbaticals was partially restored. The news meant an end to a month-long work-to-rule by teachers.

Angered by the pay cut, teachers had refused to supervise extra-curricular activities since school returned in January.

Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira had said the moves were a "necessary money-saver''.