Moves to encourage youths to learn Spanish

THE Embassy of Spain and the Ministry of Education through its Curriculum Planning and Development Division and the Secretariat for the Implementation of the Spanish (SIS) will on Monday, commemorate World Book and Copyright Day by giving students the opportunity to learn and practice Spanish in a relaxed and pedagogical environment.

According to a press release issued yesterday the Embassy, the occasion coincides with the International Day of the Spanish language and the anniversary of the death of renowned Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes. The Embassies of Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic; the Bocas Lit Fest and the National Library of Trinidad and Tobago (NALIS), are partners in hosting the day’s activities.

Events begin at 9 am at the National Library Port of Spain with the screening of the Spanish children’s film “Atrapa La Bandera”.

This will form part of the CineLit Festival, which has become a fixture at the annual Bocas Lit Fest. Other films include “Lluvia en los ojos”, “El regreso del vampire”, “¿Qué es la guerra?”, “Un día en familia” and “El Regalo de Anancy.”

The Spanish Read-a-thon or “Micro Abierto”, the release stated, places students at the fore to showcase their Spanish-language talents from 10 am. Dr Esperanza Luengo will facilitate Spanish language workshops targeting children between the ages of 6 and 12 years, from noon.

Students of Spanish at the University of the West Indies (UWI) will join the day’s activities to recite poems and literary fragments. The day’s events will conclude with the screening of the film “La Novia” at 5.30 pm and a promotional video on the importance of learning Spanish.

The press release stated that anyone seeking further information on these activities planned for next Monday can contact the Embassy of Spain at 625-7938 extension 235 or 237.