Educational agencies on both sides of the US/Mexico border are teaming up to provide summer learning opportunities for children of migrant farm workers in Ventura County. Students in grades two through six are taking classes in math, English and computer coding at the Bilingual Summer Institute, being held this July at Somis Elementary School. A unique aspect of the program is that two visiting teachers from Mexico are incorporating cultural enrichment into the lessons to help students learn about their heritage and better connect to the material that’s being taught.

Norma Vianey Tizapan Mendoza is a teacher visiting from the Mexican state of Tlaxcala. She uses art, music and stories to help get students engaged. “Most of their parents are from Mexico and they are here because they want better opportunities for their families,” she says. “I’m so proud to be a teacher and to be here. Being a teacher is about touching your students’ heart.”

Eleven-year-old Isaac Bolaños was born in the US to parents who immigrated from Mexico. He’s fluent in both English and Spanish but wants to know more about his parents’ homeland. “I enjoy getting to know more about my culture because I barely know anything about it,” he says. “Every time I’m here, I learn a little bit more.”

The program provides a much-needed measure of stability for these students who face a host of unique challenges. They often have to switch schools as their families relocate to follow the harvest. Particularly in Ventura County, the high cost of housing means they may be sharing cramped living spaces and have to move frequently.

The summer program provides a comfortable, welcoming environment that helps students build their confidence. Dr. Jesus Vaca, the Superintendent of the Somis Union School District, says migrant kids often need extra support to help them succeed in school. “They’re coming to a completely different country with a new language and a new culture. We need to help them get to where they need to be so they can be contributing members of our society.”

The Ventura County Office of Education’s Migrant Education Program (MEP) was instrumental in bringing this summer opportunity to Somis. Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, says the MEP has a long track record of helping migrant students overcome the obstacles they face. “Ventura County is home to many migrant students who have gone on to become leaders in our community,” he says. “They have built careers in fields like medicine, business and education thanks in part to the support they received from the migrant program.” 

Ventura County is one of only three regions in the state to be participating in the Mexico-United States Binational Migrant Education Program this summer. The Somis program is a joint effort of the California Department of Education, the Mexican Secretariat of Public Education, the Ventura County Office of Education, and the Somis Union School District.

More information about the VCOE Migrant Education Program is available by calling 805-437-1520 or emailing MEP@vcoe.org.

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Photos of the Binational Summer Institute in Somis are available here.