Free adult education opportunities available through RGV’s first Plaza Comunitaria

Pharr, TX – The Consulate of Mexico in McAllen, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD), and the City of Pharr hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Rio Grande Valley’s newest Plaza Comunitaria aimed to provide free educational opportunities for adults. The event was held at the Garcia Parent/Community Engagement Center in South Pharr on Monday, April 29, 2019 and kicked-off the Mexican Consulate's weeklong celebration of "Semana Binacional de Educación."

Sponsored by the Instituto Nacional para la Educaciόn de los Adultos (INEA), Plaza Comunitaria is a program that offers adults who have immigrated from Mexico, the opportunity to finish or begin their elementary and secondary education from Mexico.

“We want to thank Mexico and the Mexican Consulate for their interest in investing in the lives of their citizens currently living in the US,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Daniel King. “This program will offer incredible educational opportunities for adults in our communities.”

PSJA ISD’s Parent Center at Graciela Garcia Elementary on Juan Balli Rd in South Pharr, will serve as host to Mexico’s Secretary of Public Education Department as they offer courses for all community members interested in finishing their education.

Among the free opportunities available to the community through the Plaza Comunitaria are: 

• Basic education (literacy, primary and secondary) for youth and adults in educational remediation, both in classrooms and online with goal of facilitating participants in beginning and finishing their studies and receiving a diploma from the Mexican Education System.  
• Access to new information and communication technologies for the development of reading, writing, communication, logical reasoning, and the information needed for participants to find employment.  
• User support in activities related to computer use, Internet and email.  
• Support for communities by providing meeting space for educational, recreational and cultural events, according to local interests and needs.  
• Provision of permanent venues where applicants can take printed and online exams and obtain certification of primary and secondary studies. 

"The City of Pharr is committed to supporting programs and partnerships that provide educational opportunities, resources and services for our Pharr residents and families, and we are proud to support this Plaza Comunitaria Work Program," said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. "We congratulate all partners on this project that will enhance literacy and training programs in our area.”

In addition to the Plaza Comunitaria being available to all members of the community, over 6,000 PSJA ISD parents currently participate in free classes located at the eight PSJA Parent/Community Engagement Centers throughout the tri-city area. At these centers, parents can earn college credit and certifications through partners like South Texas College and the Region One Education Service Center.

For Maria Salvidar, a PSJA ISD parent who will be taking classes at the Plaza Comunitaria, finishing her education through Mexico’s Secretary of Public Education Department is important to her and her peers.

“I only finished elementary in Mexico,” said the 56-year-old. “This is an opportunity for me to show my kids that it is never too late to pursue an education. We are very grateful to the district, city and consulate for providing these opportunities.”

The Plaza Comunitaria is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to all members of the community interested in continuing their education. Anyone interested in participating can call the PSJA Parental Engagement Program at 956-354-2028.