This was written by our Circulation Manager, Marvin Peña. A Spanish version of this article will appear in our next edition of Mundo Clark.
Clark College and its community celebrated “Día del Niño” and “Día del Libro,” Children’s Day and Book Day, last Friday in Gaiser Hall. About 200 attendees enjoyed games, music, food and other activities promoting children’s reading and literacy.
This is the seventh time Clark has participated in this celebration, according to Spanish professor Elizabeth Ubiergo.
Ubiergo presented her bilingual puppet show to encourage children to read books instead of playing on devices during free time. Children had the opportunity to play traditional latin games, and everyone had the chance to eat traditional Mexican food.
For Erika Nava, also a Spanish professor, this event brought the families together and brought the community closer to Clark.
“[The event] also is beneficial for students because they are able to practice their Spanish in a friendly environment with no or little pressure,” Nava said. “Reading to the kids helps them with their ability to speak without feeling judged.”
Kevin Thov, a second-year Spanish student and a volunteer with the Spanish Club, assisted in several activities, including a game where children had to grab an apple without using their hands.
“I want to practice my Spanish more,” Thov said. “I improved my skills and I can understand better and I am quicker to answer.”
Attending children received books to take home after they took a picture with Oswald the Penguin.
For that night, Clark’s faculty, staff and the community enjoyed a cultural exchange aiming to benefit children and Clark students simultaneously, promoting diversity and cultural understanding.
