JEDI

Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month is here! 

Did you know that while English is the most spoken language in the world, there are more native Spanish speakers in the world (534 million) than English speakers (374 million)? 

Over 41 million people in the United States alone (or 13% of the population) speak Spanish at home.  After English, It’s the most commonly spoken one of the many languages of our country’s diverse population. 

The Latin world is huge!  It’s comprised of 33 countries and 15 territories, all with their own unique cultures!  Many from the Latin world emigrate to the United States every day making their cultures part of the beautiful fabric of our society. 

Did you know that the work of migrant farmworkers from Latinx/Hispanic countries is the driving force behind the food system in the US that we rely upon to bring us the fruits, vegetables and meats we eat every day?  Migrant families’ children, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to a free and fair education under the law and Portland Public Schools has its own Migrant Education program to support the unique needs of families who experience migration as part of their lived experience. 

Make teaching your kids about Latinx/Hispanic heritage fun by looking here for ways to celebrate and learn.  Make albondigas in the kitchen (que rico!) or play Loteria enjoying the beautiful colors and drawing of this popular game.  

If you or your family would like to share some ways that your Latinx/Hispanic AND/OR NATIVE AMERICAN heritage enriches your lives, please contact us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com so that we can share it in our next JEDI section of the newsletter.  

Gracias!

Amazon Future Engineer Program for Children from Underrepresented Communities

This program is a childhood-to-career program aimed at increasing access to computer science education for children and young adults from underserved and underrepresented communities.  

If you think your child or a child you know would benefit from learning more about this rich program with internship and scholarship options, check it out at amazonfutureengineer.com.   The opportunities that abound for some kids with existing community connections can, through programs like these, be made available for all kids.  Our beautiful future lives in our kids’ minds!