It is hoped ties with the American state will improve the Island's after school programmes.

The programmes are deemed vital in building a brighter future, nipping social problems in the bud.

News of the link-up emerged at Friday evening's launch of the National After School Conference.

The two-day event was sponsored by the After School Section of the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation.

This year's theme was TEAM -- teaching, educational, activities and motivation -- and organisers hoped to appeal to the public, child care professionals, and after school supervisors and workers.

Special guest, Mrs. Sandra Vella, founder of the award-winning Homewood City Schools Extended Day Programme in Alabama, heaped praise on Bermuda's care for its children.

She said she had been hugely impressed by the Island's schools during a guided tour.

With her was fellow guest, Mrs. Melinda Hollinsworth, a programme specialist for the Alabama organisation.

"We spoke to the children, and were struck by the similarities. Children here are the same back home,'' she told the gathering at the No 1 Passenger Terminal on Front Street.

She added she had been touched by the enthusiasm of Bermuda's schoolchildren.

Mrs. Vella said the needs of youngsters were the same throughout the world.

"Children need to play, be loved, and be listened to,'' she emphasised.

After school programmes played a vital role between 3 p.m and 6 p.m. of a child's hectic day, she added.

It should be a challenging and enriching extension of the day -- but, importantly, very relaxing as well.

"Children should not feel under any pressure,'' she said.

Mrs. Vella, who started the motto "Go Ahead, Extend My Day'' for the Homewood programme, said supervisors in the United States often lacked resources, respect, and training.

But they had one commodity in abundance -- an absolute devotion to children.

"We have the opportunity to make a difference to lives ... the children are our future,'' she said.

Mrs. Vella said it was important to share her experiences with those of supervisors in Bermuda.

And links were already being forged to continue an information exchange between Alabama and the Island.

Mrs. Vella revealed local brownies intended to become penpals with their counterparts in the States.

She added information on her group would be regularly mailed to Bermuda.