NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Programs promoting home ownership and bilingual skills within the Middle Tennessee Hispanic community will be recognized Dec. 4 during Conexión Américas‘ “Celebration of Achievements” at Vanderbilt University. The event, which is sponsored by Vanderbilt‘s Center for the Americas, will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the university‘s Alumni Hall.
Conexión Américas, a Nashville nonprofit organization that promotes the integration of Hispanic families into the community, will recognize families who have bought houses through its PUERTAS ABIERTAS/Open Doors home ownership program as well as individuals enrolled in its CONVERSEMOS – Spanish/English Language Exchange program, which improves their ability to speak English.
“Hispanic families value home ownership because it represents a solid commitment to their integration into the community,” said Jose Gonzalez, executive director of Conexión Américas. “Participants in the program are required to save toward their down payment and attend a home-buying class that gives them the tools to build their credit and become savvy about their future investments.”
The Spanish/English Language Exchange Program is an initiative that pairs two individuals – a Spanish speaker and an English speaker – so that they can help each other improve their foreign language skills. The program also fosters intercultural exchange between Tennesseans and Latino immigrants.
“There is a myth going around that Hispanics coming to our city don‘t want to learn English. This is absolutely not true,” said María Clara Mejía, director of socio-cultural integration for Conexión Américas. “In working with the Latino immigrant community everyday, we witness that one of their top priorities is to learn the language. They understand that this is of great importance to their success in building a life in this country.”
Conversely, a growing number of Tennesseans who realize the competitive advantage of bilingual skills and the importance of becoming familiar with Hispanic American cultures are interested in learning Spanish. Mejía said that this helps build bridges between the non-Hispanic local communities and their Latino neighbors.
The Language Exchange Program is possible thanks to volunteer Vanderbilt students and Nashville professionals interested in improving their ability to speak Spanish for academic, personal or professional purposes and who are committed to helping newcomers improve their language skills.
“In the midst of debatable ordinance proposals that would make Nashville an ‘English-only city,‘ our program is a practical demonstration of the interest and commitment of Hispanic immigrants to learn English as well as the interest of American citizens to learn Spanish to improve their professional careers and their capacity to interact with other peoples in a growing multicultural Nashville,” said Mejía. “People understand the importance of what we are doing; speaking the language is a crucial step in the integration of Hispanic families into Tennessee, while starting a business and owning a home is crucial to fulfill their American dream.”
Editor‘s note: The “Celebration of Achievements” is by invitation only, but media are welcome to attend. Please e-mail maitane@inclusivecommunications.net to RSVP.
Media contacts: Ann Marie Deer Owens, (615) 322-NEWS
annmarie.owens@vanderbilt.edu
Maitane Z. Tidwell, (615) 545-2474
maitane@inclusivecommunications.net