Welcome!
Our Projects
June
08/2025
Session Highlights
On June 8th, CulturaConnect Academy hosted an engaging session where 37 students explored the story The Drum / El Tambor and unleashed their creativity by crafting their own drums. The highlight of the day was a wonderful display of teamwork and problem-solving: one student took the lead in demonstrating how to secure the drum’s top to its base, helping classmates master the technique. Students also practiced expressing their preferences for large or small drums in English, building both language and confidence. It was a joyful, hands-on learning experience that celebrated culture, creativity, and collaboration!
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April
21/2025
Session Highlights
During our April 21st, 24th, and 26th sessions, CulturaConnect Academy students dove into a world of stories and fun! Each day began with eager readers searching for books to enjoy and share with friends and siblings during independent reading time. Our featured stories—Anansi and the Talking Watermelon / Anansi y la sandía hablante, El día que llovieron tortillas / The Day It Rained Tortillas, and La broma del paraguas / The Umbrella Trick—sparked lively discussions and language practice, as students used “I like / I don’t like” in English before each read-aloud.
After the stories, the excitement continued with games inspired by the books: students bowled with watermelons, tossed tortillas, and tried their hand at the umbrella throw! These joyful activities brought the stories to life and created lasting memories of learning, laughter, and friendship.
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December/January
Inaugural Summer Academy
Session Highlights
CulturaConnect Academy launched its first-ever two-week Summer Academy from December 30, 2024 to January 10, 2025, offering students a vibrant blend of language, literacy, and hands-on activities. Each day began with a welcoming morning meeting, followed by interactive greetings, engaging read-alouds in Spanish, and English language practice centered on personal information, preferences, and favorite books. Students participated in creative group activities like name crafts, number games, color collages, and “I love” charades, reinforcing new vocabulary and building community through play and art.
A key highlight was the daily opportunity for students to select and share their favorite books, fostering a love of reading and confidence in both English and Spanish. The session culminated in a festive awards ceremony featuring student-made video introductions in English, recognition of achievements, and a celebratory pizza party. The energy, creativity, and camaraderie on display made this inaugural summer session a memorable success for all involved
August -December 2024
Igniting Imaginations: A New Library Opens Doors to Literacy for Children in Veracruz, Guatemala!
In a groundbreaking moment for literacy in Veracruz, Guatemala, the creation of the community’s first library is transforming children's access to books. On a hot and rainy winter afternoon in August 2024, 100 eager children lined up outside the newly developed library, their eyes wide with excitement as they explored 100 Spanish-language children's books for the first time.
Project Highlights:
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First Library Access: The children experiencing their first opportunity to access children’s literature
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Community Impact: Bringing literacy and imagination to children who previously had no access to books
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Sustainable Model: A growing library system supported by generous donations
The library, made possible by the incredible support of donors Elizabeth Guttenplan, Dennis Villano, Theresa Fukuda, and Tonia S. represents more than just books—it's a gateway to knowledge, creativity, and opportunity for Guatemalan children.
CulturaConnect: Fostering Imagination Through Engaging Spanish Storytelling and Activities!
In August, CulturaConnect Academy launched a vibrant pilot program in Veracruz, Guatemala, engaging 100 enthusiastic students aged 4 to 11. The interactive storytelling session featured the beloved book "Donde viven los monstruos" (Where the Wild Things Are), where children made monster masks and acted out characters.
Program Highlights:
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Interactive Spanish storytelling
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Engaging literacy activities
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Creative mask-making
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Fairy tale retellings through art
Students explored familiar tales like “El hombre de pan de jengibre” (The Gingerbread Man), practicing storytelling in Spanish. This successful pilot set the stage for the academy's official launch in December, with eager students already registered.
Special thanks to Tina Ski for her invaluable support in creating culturally rich activities that connect children through storytelling.
Coming Soon…
CulturaConnect: Where Reading Sparks Joy and Cultural Connections Flourish!
CulturaConnect Academy will launch its inaugural 2-week summer program this December in Veracruz, Guatemala, offering students aged 4 to 11 an immersive experience. Participants will engage in interactive read-aloud sessions in Spanish to foster a love for storytelling and reading.
They will also begin learning English and creating videos to introduce themselves to future American pen pals, promoting cultural exchange. Additionally, students will practice selecting books from the new library, empowering them to take home stories that inspire their imaginations.
This dynamic program aims to enrich young learners' lives and cultivate a lifelong passion for reading and learning.