Parla’s Network of Spanish language

The International Cooperation and Intercultural Department promotes and coordinates this Network, where six local associations work together to offer free Spanish lessons to foreigners.

Its objectives are:

• Promote the integration of citizens of all foreign-born individuals who live in Parla.
• Encourage the knowledge of the city: history, geography, customs, festivals, cultural activities,municipal, educational, health, associative services etc.
• Facilitate the meeting and mutual understanding between different groups as part of this network, participating in cultural weeks and other events.

In our visit to the Adult Training Centre (CEPA) we were able to talk with representatives of the entities that form part of the Network. They told us 90 % of students are women, most from Ecuador, Colombia, Morocco and China. Some entities do courses in the evenings and on Saturdays and they are now in need of literacy to many older women who have never been to school. They used to have more students groups but the regional government cuts forced them to reduce the number of groups, but with the support of the city council could keep some of them. The entities evaluation of the establishment and operation of the network was very positive, despite budget cuts has meant they cannot respond to the whole demand. They valued very positively the commitment and support given by the municipality.