A new partnership between Minnesota State University, Mankato and the Government of Mexico will help area Hispanic immigrants continue their education while they develop their English-speaking skills.
The Plaza Comunitaria outreach program provides non-English-speaking Latinos with free adult education classes that help them earn Mexican school diplomas and prepare for further high school education. Mankato classes are expected to start next spring, with the Government of Mexico providing program materials free of charge, and Minnesota State Mankato providing classroom space and arranging for volunteer tutors.
The classes, developed by Mexico and presented in Spanish online or in video, audio and print, are for people who do not know how to read or did not finish elementary or secondary education in the Mexican school system. The program is open to ages 16 and older, but most who take part in Plaza Comunitaria programs elsewhere are in their 30s, 40s and 50s.
“The Government of Mexico wants Mexicans and other Latinos to complete their basic education, regardless of where they live,” said Ana Luisa Fajer, the Consul of Mexico in St. Paul. “The Plaza Comunitaria provides this opportunity with local partners and the involvement of the community. This program is a good example of the principle of shared responsibility that guides the Mexico-United States relationship.”
“Providing educational opportunities to all members of our community is important to Minnesota State Mankato,” said President Richard Davenport. “Children who see their parents educating themselves are more likely to recognize the importance of education, to attend college, and to help provide a stronger workforce for their communities.”
The program is intended to help immigrants overcome language barriers and economic factors that often prompt Latino students to drop out of school. Currently there are 270 Plaza Comunitaria programs in 32 U.S. states.
Students who were unable to complete their education in Mexico but who successfully finish the program receive equivalency diplomas from the Mexican Ministry of Education, and may continue their education.
The program offers internship and volunteer opportunities for Minnesota State Mankato students and local residents as tutors for Spanish-language students.
The partnership was commemorated by Minnesota State Mankato and Government of Mexico officials on Oct. 8 with a signing ceremony on campus.
Those who want more information about Plaza Comunitaria may contact Rodrigo Marquez, Consul for Community Affairs at the Consulate of Mexico in St. Paul, (651) 771-5494 ext. 17 or rmarquezl@consulmexstpaul.com.
Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive, doctoral university with 14,950 students and two satellite sites, is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, which comprises 32 institutions across the state.
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