Empowering Communities Through the UHD Bilingual e-Library Project

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During April, Aldine ISD’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department, in partnership with the University of Houston, was excited to unveil the second phase of the University of Houston Downtown Bilingual e-Library project, a groundbreaking initiative poised to transform family engagement in education. This innovative endeavor transcends mere resource provision, emphasizing collaboration between families and seven focus schools to elevate traditional engagement methods and harness the collective knowledge within our communities.

During the pilot phase, two elementary schools led the way—Black and Bussey Elementary. With the second phase, three elementary schools—Hill, Smith, and Marcela—alongside two EC/PK-KG institutions—Griggs and De Santiago—will join the ongoing efforts. Participating parents undergo comprehensive training on effectively utilizing the UHD Bilingual e-Library. Educational sessions are provided through a dedicated YouTube channel, supplemented by direct instruction on enhancing digital literacy and reading skills to support children at home. Remarkably, parents are noticing tangible improvements in their English language proficiency, a testament to the project’s efficacy.

At its core, the project aims to achieve multifaceted objectives. First, it seeks to bolster the performance of Emerging Bilingual (EB) students through tailored support. Second, it endeavors to immerse families in the world of literacy, empowering them to become active contributors by fostering the creation of their narratives. Importantly, the program recognizes parents as key facilitators of their children’s educational journey, enhancing their digital literacy skills and unleashing their potential

A notable aspect of the project is its positive impact on the local economy and the academic progress of EB students. In this phase, UHD has employed seven teachers and seven parents to spearhead the program across participating campuses. Four recruited parents are enrolled in the Family and Community University (FCUniversity), aligning the UHD Bilingual e-Library with FCUniversity’s mission of Empowering Parents to Look Forward.

Iliana Sontay de Fuentes, a participating parent, shared her perspective on the project’s transformative nature. “The UHD Bilingual e-Library project is an opportunity for me to live experiences, enrich my knowledge, and contribute to my family’s income. Being part of the community I serve means privilege, responsibility, and commitment, as it allows me to be an agent of change in the lives of families who, like me, emigrated from their countries.”

These initiatives are made possible through strategic partnerships with UHD, underscoring the institution’s commitment to catalyzing educational endeavors that build resilient communities.

To learn more about the impact of the UHD Bilingual e-Library, click here