Steering Committee

We had our first parents steering committee meeting last week.  It was great that many families are supporting this proposal.  We brainstormed ways to continue to spread the word throughout our city.  We all committed to talking to city and provincial officials, putting up posters, creating ads etc.

One of the contributing factors that led to the downfall of the previous proposal a number of years ago was that parents were not involved.  It wasn't owned by the community as so the the commitment level was low.  Our goal is to make sure families and parents take ownership of this project.  Because a dream can come from one or two people, but it takes an entire community to make it a reality.

Do you want to be part of making the Spanish Language Program a reality here in Winnipeg?

Logo Submission

We are looking for a Logo for our Project so if you know of a graphic designer or would like to submit your own original design send it by July 24th to our email!

Latin Fest

There is going to be a great event over the next two weekends.  We plan to have a table set up to inform the public of the proposal.

This Saturday, July 13th at the Phillipine Canadian Cultural Centre - 737 Keewatin St.  8p.m. - 1a.m. is the kick off party

Next Saturday, July 20th at the Forks 1 p.m. - 11 p.m. will feature a variety of musical and cultural performances, food, artisan goods for sale.

Come out to enjoy some great Latin music, food and to celebrate the culture of various Latin American countries and don't forget to stop by our table!

Still Working....

It is summer but we are in full swing with working on the proposal.  We continue to have meetings with government officials and make countless phone calls and emails to get the word out.  Many of our families have taken posters to distribute over the city.

We will be meeting to coordinate volunteers who have graciously offered to help at the various festivals in the city.  Our goal is to let as many families know about the proposal.  We can not stop working, we can not give up.  Because the time is right and there are many people in government and education that want to see a program like this be created.

Families and children are the deciding factor.  Are we ready to say yes and make this a reality?

Can you Help?

We would love to advertise in a number of venues this summer.  Do you have a contact or connection with any of the following groups?

1. Folklorama - any of the pavilions where we can have the make an announcement and where we can have information about the proposal and a place for people to sign up their children

2. Mini-U - pamphets available for parents etc.

3. Latin Fest - we'd love to set up a booth

4.  Goldeyes Baseball - have a booth with pamphets, advertise on the big screen

5. Bombers Football

Benefits of Language Learning

 “Learning another language allows us to see with new eyes.” 

– Marcel Proust

Alberta Education commissioned a 2006 study to survey the results of research on additional language learning. It found that students who become proficient in a second language benefit in many ways:

1.     Personal Benefits

·  Travel, cross-cultural relationships

·  Access to culture, literature, film, etc.

2.     Intellectual Potential

·  Students proficient in two languages score higher in verbal and non-verbal intelligence.

·  Students studying a second language develop listening, memory, and divergent thinking skills.

3.     Effect on First Language

·  Second language study significantly strengthens first language skills in areas of reading, vocabulary, grammar and communication skills.

·  The earlier the start, the greater the positive effect on the first language.

4.     Scholastic Achievement

·  Students studying a second language have higher test scores in reading, language and mathematics.

5.     Economic Potential

·  Proficiency in another language enhances prospects for postsecondary study and employment and opens up international opportunities.

·  There is an urgent requirement for qualified speakers of languages other than English in areas of science, technology, medicine and global commerce.

6.     Citizenship

·  Students learning a second language have superior cross-cultural skills and adapt better to new cultural contexts.

·  Students studying a second language display greater cultural sensitivity.

http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/resources/learnlang/benefits.aspx

www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/library/egovdocs/2006/aled/158817.pdf