WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10: A new mentoring programme has been launched for children at a primary school.

Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith has been encouraging private sector organisations to support and help students in Bermuda's public education system.

Now members of the Village Pride Community Center (VPCC) have launched a special afterschool programme aimed at mentoring and assisting students of the Heron Bay Primary School.

Chairman of the VPCC, Vernon Temple AME Church Pastor Pedro A. Castro, Jr. said math and literacy tutoring would be the main focus, as well as homework assistance.

Additionally Pastor Castro said the organisation has partnered with the Eliza Doolittle Foundation, which will provide healthy snacks and dinners for all student participants and volunteers.

The programme, which takes effect on November 15, is part of an outreach initiative for Vernon Temple.