Making it big in New York is the dream of many, but there is one Bermudian organisation that is taking it literally.

The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda will be visiting the Big Apple next month in the first part of an exchange programme.

The group was set up here in 1977 to give same sex role models to children from broken homes. For example an adult Big Sister will be matched with a child who will become her Little Sister and the pair will spend a minimum of three hours a week together.

And now the winners of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Year will enjoy a four-day visit to America, starting on August 4 to visit their US counterparts before playing host for the return trip next summer.

The exchange was set up after the New York Big Brothers and Big Sisters manager happened to walk past the Bermudian office while holidaying here.

Making the American trip will be last year's winners Progressive Labour Party Sen. Patrice Parris and Zakiya Burchall, aged 12, and retired Policeman Charles Williams and Amaury Symonds, aged nine.

Sightseeing will a big part of the trip, but organisation case worker Doris DeCosta emphasised there is a serious side to the exercise.

She said: "We will be taking the children to soup kitchens where they feed the homeless. This isn't really something you see here. We want them to see the serious problems that life can throw up.

"We can discuss issues like drugs, alcohol and AIDS which affect young people the world over.

"This exercise brings together people from different nations and races together to prove that we can all get along.'' And this philosophy has also played a big part in the success of the local scheme.

Mrs. DeCosta explained: "Charles and Amaury are different races, nationalities and ages, but they get on so well because they both love the outdoor life. Charles is a retired Policeman who spends a lot of his time on his boat while his wife works and Amaury has learned to snorkel and dive.'' And the scheme is also rewarding for the senior partners in the match-ups.

Mrs. DeCosta said: "They get to learn about Bermuda through the eyes of a child. Many of the adults in the schemes are expats who want to give something back to the Island.'' Mr. Williams said: "I've got a lot out of it. I've seen Amaury grow in confidence from being a very shy little boy. I have daughters but I've never had a son so this is something new for me.

Unfortunately there is a lack of men like Mr. Williams. Mrs. DeCosta explained: "We have about 40 to 50 boys needing a big brother, but men seem reluctant to get involved. But they only need to put in a few hours a week.

They're not all problem kids. There's a lot of nice young kids there looking for a role model. Amaury is an A student.'' Sen. Parris has been a Big Sister to two children since getting involved with the scheme 12 years ago. She explains: "At first I was a Big Sister to Kendrea Hayward. She's just graduated from CedarBridge so it shows she's on the right track.'' Now Sen. Parris is looking forward to the US trip with Zakiya with whom she linked up five years ago.

"I'm a big kid at heart and it should be a fun time,'' she said. "I'm very eager to see the Empire State Building. We're going to stay with a Big Sister who is originally from South America while her Little Sister is from another part of that continent so the experience will be a truly international one.

"It will be Zakiya's 13th birthday when we are over there so the whole trip will be like the best present anyone could ask for.'' Zakiya and Amaury landed the trip by winning an essay competition about the people they were matched with under the Big Brothers and Big Sisters scheme.

Zakiya said: "We're going to keep a journal of our trip to New York which will help us remember the experience. I'm really looking forward to it because I've never been to New York before. It's huge but I'm sure the people will be friendly.'' Friendliness is at the heart of her relationship with her Big Sister. Zakiya explained: "She's very nice and tells me the difference between right and wrong and guides me.'' Plans are already afoot for playing host to the Americans next year.

Sen. Parris said: "I'll take them to the Crystal Caves which was discovered when two kids lost a cricket ball down it, so it has a connection for young people.'' And Mrs. DeCosta, who will also be making the US trip with fellow Big Brothers and Big Sisters case worker Clifftina Stevens, added: "The Americans will come over here when Cup Match is on. This fixture was started to mark the end of slavery. I want to show them that Bermuda isn't just a place to party but it also has places of significance.'' To join the scheme, call The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda on 292-2802 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays. Adults must be approved by parents of the Little Brothers and Little Sisters and undergo screening by the Police before being paired with a child who has similar interests.

Big Apple beckons: Government Sen. Patrice Parris and her Little Sister, Zakiya Burchall head to New York City next month.