Casa de la Cultura Latino Americana/Plaza Comunitaria "Dr Terry Horgan"

Program Overview

Casa de la Cultura Latino Americana uses an adult education methodology that promotes learning: "The foundation of this Latin America 'system' is based on the idea that the educational process should be centered around the students. "

We can say that the pedagogy proposed by this methodology assumes the following:
a) Everybody can learn.
b) Everybody knows something.
c) The person is responsible for building knowledge and giving new meaning to what they learn.
d) Learning occurs when the student has a life project where this knowledge is significant.
With this student-centered method, all individuals learn by interacting with others (each one teaches one!), and all develop their abilities to teach others.
The program counts and develops cultural activities throughout the year, such as : reading rooms, development, organization, multicultural forums and events, musical, art crafts and art activities.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Casa de la Cultura Latino Americana has helped dozens of adults from different backgrounds in obtaining their certificates of Primaria and Secundaria equivalents to 6th and 9th grades through the Plaza Comunitaria program under the umbrella of the Mexican Government. These certificates are recognized by the US government as well as other Latin American countries thanks to the Hague Convention with Mexico. Students from different countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Cuba, Colombia, etc. have had the opportunity to keep reaching their dreams, by improving their knowledge, and daily experience, finishing their HiSET (GED). CCLA also helps those who already have the goal of finishing their High school; we offer HisET (GED) classes in Spanish so people can understand in their own language the process of getting the certificate. We had the pleasure of having 3 students, two from Guatemala and one from Mexico who started with their Primaria, and thanks to our tutors these students could finish in less than 18 months Primaria, Secundaria and obtaining their HiSET certificate. One of them kept studying and she became a Medical Assistant, she was able to help her children with their homework. She was recognized as well as the other two students from Guatemala by the General Consulate of Mexico in Atlanta and the National Institute of Adult Education in Mexico for their persistence what it was rewarded with success.

TESTIMONY:
Rosalinda: a) What is the most meaningful change you've accomplished through this program?
I could finish my Secundaria (equivalency of 9th grade - Middle High) through Casa de la Cultura Latino Americana and Plaza Comunitaria Adult Literacy Program. I took the HiSET preparation test class, took the test and finally I have received my official certificate.
b) How has your life changed since starting this program? Thanks to CCLA I could obtain my DACA (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals); I found a better job, and I am helping more to my son doing his homework as well! It's hard to work and study but I want to be someone and to give a better future to my family.