Spanish class bridges gaps in Sisters

Bridging cultural and language gaps in the Sisters community landscape, a new adult beginner Spanish class offered through Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) is proving to be an overwhelming success.

Shawn Diez of Sisters Community Schools, in association with The Hispanic Coalition and SPRD has opened the winter semester to anyone interested in learning another language or refreshing their Spanish skills in a six-week, afternoon program from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., costing $50 per person.

Classes began January 19 to enthusiastic reviews, and the spring session is already full, with a waiting list. A student class is part of the after-school activities delivered through Community Schools Initiative and SPRD for a fee of $42 per child.

Sisters Community Schools Initiative is dedicated to improved student learning and building healthier families within a more united network of its citizens. It is funded primarily by OCF (Oregon Community Foundation) and the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund.

As coordinator, Diez explained how the project came to fruition with the gathering of many local resources.

"What's unique about this is that we did a parent's survey last year for Community Schools and it had three questions to answer: First, what type of activities had their kids been involved in. Second, what kind of new classes do they think kids would enjoy in the future? And lastly, what interests or needs do the parents wish for themselves?" he said. "One of the interests that came up most was the immediate need for a Spanish language class for adults. So I had a conversation with Rossy Gomez of The Hispanic Coalition and she had contacts at COCC, specifically Dave Engel, a teacher interested in doing an introductory Spanish class right here in Sisters. And from there it quickly formed."

In Central Oregon and across the state in general, the fastest growing portion of the population is Spanish-speaking. Second-language skills allow cultural barriers to be broken down and lets one relate more to neighbors and friends.

"There are many kids in our schools where English is their second language and their families speak limited English," Diez said. "These classes provide a great conduit for non-Hispanics to communicate and build those connections and make them feel welcome here in Sisters. It takes a good bit of courage to move to a strange city and become a part of it and make the best life possible for their kids. Learning Spanish is one little way to reach out to them. Also, there's a sizable group of local travelers who regularly visit Spanish-speaking countries, and here's a fantastic way to increase their enjoyment by learning their native tongue."

Hispanics makes up five percent of the total student population in Sisters. Their families are prominent members of the business economy, active in civic events and supporters of Sisters' multitude of charities and events. Diez hopes to tighten those bonds and continue the Spanish program by expanding in the future with additional rounds of beginner classes and more advanced levels as demand persists.

For more information on upcoming classes and registration, contact SPRD at 541-549-2091.