DUHLAA Book Drive for Learning Juntos

In conjunction with Duke Alumni ENGAGE, the Duke University Hispanic/Latino Alumni Association (DUHLAA) is conducting our first community outreach project.  For 2017 we've chosen Duke's Learning Juntos program to receive books and funding for bilingual books.  Learning Juntos' program allows Duke students in Spanish classes with a service component to meet firsthand with Durham Spanish-speaking families who may need extra help in advocating for their child's education.

WHY A BOOK DRIVE?

As champions of diversity and education, DUHLAA's members are advocates for education.  Many of us come from families where English was not our first language and we know firsthand the additional effort needed to learn to read in English.  We also know that enjoying reading helps develop a love of learning.  Our efforts this year will provide bilingual books for families.  Learning Juntos reaches disadvantaged children up to middle school age.  Duke students will use the donated books to teach bilingual students and their parents.  Families will receive books to start their own personal libraries.

ABOUT LEARNING JUNTOS

        Learning Juntos is a program designed to provide a supportive environment where parents learn tools to engage in their children's education. Topics include literacy, vocabulary, writing, and parent involvement. The sessions follow a traditional PACT (Parents and Child Together) format.  Parents engage in facilitating discussions and activities to practice at home with their young ones while their children participate in learning activities. Then, parents and children come together and practice what they have learned in the workshop.         

Learning Juntos is a program run by the America Reads and Counts, housed in the Community Service Center in partnership with Duke University Spanish learning courses. These workshops are facilitated at two local Durham public schools: Morehead Montessori and George Watts Montessori Magnet School.