TUCSON, Ariz. -- A free program is making a big difference in schools across Tucson.
It’s mission: to help Hispanic students and their parents succeed in school and in their future endeavors.
Parents who are a part of the program told KGUN9 the Familia Adelante Program, meaning families moving forward, is not only helping give them their voice in this country, but also helping their children succeed academically.
Karen Rodriguez is a part of the seven week program. She immigrated to the United States from Honduras.
She says even though she’s been in this country for the last 16 years, there are things she doesn’t understand.
“Understanding the school system here is very difficult for me. Reading a report card is hard, and not knowing who to go to for academic help for my son makes me feel helpless.” she said in Spanish.
Here’s where Familia Adelante comes in. It is a program stemming from a nonprofit organization called Amistades.
The seven week program that helps both students and their parents with language barriers, and facilitates conversations about taboo topics in the Hispanic community.
“We tend to be more discrete...especially about topics like sex, drugs, and STDs,” Rodriguez added.
Though she says, after attending the second week of this program, she feels more comfortable talking to her son about these things.
She also says she feels confident to reach out to her son’s teachers for help.
“With Johan, I have had issues with low grades...and this program has helped me understand how to monitor his academic progress online, and connected me to teachers and resources to help him succeed, she told KGUN9.
This is what Melissa Gomez, the Project Coordinator, says is what this program is all about.
“I think Familia Adelante is important for parents who want to know more about how to get more involved in their youth’s lives. And it provides an avenue for youth to build a bond with their parents,” said Gomez.
Rodriguez’s 12 year-old son Johan Vasquez couldn’t agree more.
“I like this program a lot. I’m going to keep coming to this program to learn more and more,” he said.
As for Johan’s mom, she says she is going to keep coming to these classes and recommends other parents do the same.
“I would love to see more parents get involved, because this program can truly make a difference in our lives and help our children,” Rodriguez added.
The program is currently in their second week at Apollo Middle School. Your child does not need to be enrolled at this school to attend the Familia Adelante program.
For more information on how to sign up, click here.
