Spanish bilingual program registration underway in Winnipeg School Division

Parents who want their child to learn Spanishmay soon be able to send them toan bilingualprogram in the Winnipeg School Division.

In December, the school division approved plans for three new bilingual language programs. The Spanish program was approved forEarl Grey School in Fort Rouge, where an open house will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The WSD has said20 children must be registered by Jan.29in order for the program to go ahead. So far there arefour.

"We need parents to come out and show that they really do want this program by registering their children tonight.We are the first in Winnipeg to have a Spanish bilingual program," saidRadeanCarter, the school division's public relations officer.

Moms make it happen

It was the work of dedicated parents who wanted Spanish education options that got the program this far.

Eugenia Lehmann,whocame to Canada from Mexico when she was two and spoke Spanish at home, teamed up with another mother to push for the program in Winnipeg schools.

She'd already started a Spanish preschool play group becauseher cultural and language arean important part of her identity, she said.

Shesubmitted a 30-page proposal to the school divisionand polled people in the community before the WSD gave its approval for the program.

"When I found out in December, I was crying with a friend on the phone, I was so happy. I am really excited and overjoyed," said Lehmann.

It's too late for her 11-year-old son to benefit andshe lives in River East School Division, but Lehmann is thrilled the program willfinally be available.

"To be able to say I am leaving a legacy for others in the community, for people who want to enhance their Spanish or non-speaking families who want to learn, it's kind of surreal to know you are part of something much greater than yourself," she said.

Bigger plans

Lehmann will be at the meeting tonight answer questions with Kathy Heppner, the other mom who worked to get the program approved.

The two moms will also holdan open houseat Glenwood Community Centre on Sundayat 2 p.m. with a much bigger focus.

They want to get other divisions on board, talk about adding a late-entry programand form a Spanish Bilingual Parents Association.

The WSD said if they hit the registration target, they will hire teachers and approve acurriculum.

The division is also offering bilingual programs in Cree and Ojibwayat Isaac Brock School. Open houses for those program will be held next week.