raise money for children in South Africa.

Referring to Beyond Barriers' Project South Africa fund set up at banks and major supermarkets, Rev. Tutu, in a letter to the group, wrote: "I am moved to learn of the concern and compassion of the people of Bermuda in wishing to help their disadvantaged brothers and sisters in South Africa as we seek to overcome the ravages of our past.'' Beyond Barriers -- made up of members of the Anti-Apartheid Coalition, the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association, Bermuda Union of Teachers, Business and Professional Women's Association, Club Respect, the National Association of Reconciliation, One Hundred Black Men, the Portuguese-Bermudian Association, and the Women's Resource Centre -- set up the fund as a part of its "One Step Forward'' campaign.

The campaign was launched last Thursday to mark the first anniversary of a democratic South Africa and to encourage Bermuda to move ahead on removing race, gender and other barriers.

Multicultural celebrations, including poetry reading, dancing and singing by groups throughout the Island, were held as a key part of the campaign.

The public was also encouraged to donate one dollar to the Project South Africa fund.

"Their donation can be symbolic of their commitment to do what they can to transform Bermuda by eliminating barriers...,'' Beyond Barriers' spokesman Mr. Glenn Fubler said.

And yesterday he added the fund would remain open for the rest of the week.

The money raised for South Africa will go to the Western Cape Foundation for Community Work which is establishing a system of preschools and services for young children.

FCW chairperson Dr. Lionel Louw, who recently visited Bermuda and spoke at St.

Paul's AME, identified his organisation as one worthy of Bermuda's support.

"I readily endorse his suggestion,'' the Rev. Tutu said.

"There is a tremendous need for young children to receive proper care holistically. Too often in our townships children are so deprived of nutrition and stimulation in their formative years that they are unable to take advantage of formal schooling and become part of a lost generation.'' Beyond Barriers' agreed with Rev. Tutu and noted that FCW was transforming academic theory into practical work.

"As Rev. Tutu points out, those donating will be assisting these young children in an effort to `overcome the ravages of (the) past','' Mr. Fubler said.

Some of the money contributed to the Project South Africa fund will be used to help local children orphaned by AIDS.

DESMOND TUTU: `Moved' by Island compassion.