http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/met ... 73964.html

Sept. 9, 2006, 1:40AM
Mexican agencies add literacy sites
Program aims to boost parents' education as a way to help keep their children in school


By JENNIFER RADCLIFFE
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

The Mexican Consulate and the Mexican Institute of Greater Houston announced a partnership Friday to offer adult literacy and computer classes at seven new community sites, including five campuses in the Houston Independent School District.

The program, called Sigamos Aprendiendo, or We'll Keep Learning, is designed to encourage parents to continue their education.

Founders say they hope the program will help parents get more involved in their children's schooling and ultimately help reduce the high school dropout rate.

"It goes without saying that if you have parents who are better educated then you will have children who are far more successful in school," said Carlos Gonzalez Magallon, consul general of Mexico.

"We know that the children of these people are actually American citizens. They are going to be the future of Houston, of the United States."

The Mexican government is covering most of the program's costs.

The free classes will begin Monday at Neff Elementary, Golfcrest Elementary, Crockett Elementary, Furr High and Sam Houston High in Houston, as well as Treasure Forest Elementary in Spring Branch and Cleveland Ripley community center in Pasadena. About 350 people already are registered; there may be space for about 100 more, officials said.

A waiting list has been created at some of the sites for a second semester of classes, which will start in mid-January.

Among the offerings are elementary and secondary school classes for adult immigrants.

"Many of these people need to improve their schooling levels in order to help their kids stay in school and get into a community college," said Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, executive director of the Institute of Mexicans Abroad. "It's a very difficult population to reach. Many of them are undocumented and, obviously, we don't ask for the migratory status, but they are hesitant to reach out for help. ... The consulate provides a neutral space."

For more information about the program, call 713-778-6117.

jennifer.radcliffe@chron.com