Empowering Families Through Literacy and Entrepreneurship: A Success Story
At the heart of our mission is the transformative power of literacy and entrepreneurship within Hispanic communities. The Bilingual E-Library at Black Elementary School, one of seven elementary schools across Houston chosen to participate in this program, in collaboration with Aldine ISD and the University of Houston Downtown (UHD), is changing lives by improving reading comprehension, bringing families closer together, and empowering future entrepreneurs.
The project is led by Dr. Maria Bhattacharjee, Director of the Bilingual E-Library, whose vision and dedication have been central to its success. Under her leadership, the library has grown into a vital resource for Hispanic families, offering access to a wide range of books in both English and Spanish, and helping families develop the literacy and technology skills they need for academic and professional success.
The Power of Reading
Reading is a gateway to new opportunities, and the Bilingual E-Library is helping families in Houston access a vast collection of books. Families shared how reading together has not only enhanced their children’s education but also strengthened family bonds.
During the event, Dr. Deborah Bordelon, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at UHD, highlighted how the Bilingual E-Library is making a significant impact on both families and students. She emphasized how crucial the project is for shaping the future of education, ensuring that students are equipped with the literacy and technological skills necessary for success.
Family Stories
Parents shared their personal experiences, highlighting how the library’s resources have improved their children’s reading skills and brought their families closer together. Through the guidance of the library and its resources, families have made reading a shared experience, enriching their homes.
Sharing Stories Globally
The Bilingual E-Library’s YouTube channel acts as a global classroom, teaching essential skills in literacy and technology. By equipping families with these tools, the library prepares them for a modern, connected workforce.
At the event, Dr. Jon Gant, Director of the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives (OMBI), expressed his support for the library’s mission. His work with the Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program aligns closely with the library’s efforts to bring digital equity and opportunity to underserved communities.
Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth
The story of Nadia Pérez, featured in the video, is one of many examples of how the Bilingual E-Library is helping Hispanic families pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Supported by a grant from the Department of Commerce, Nadia turned her love for cooking into a career path, gaining skills that will help her succeed in the professional world.
A Bright Future Ahead
This video and our ongoing efforts are part of a larger mission to empower families through literacy and entrepreneurship. By continuing to share these stories and develop our YouTube channel as a global learning platform, we are making a lasting impact in the Hispanic community.
We invite more families to join us and take full advantage of the resources the Bilingual E-Library offers. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for all.
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