La Paz starts “Roads to Reading” program for Guatemalan families

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – La Paz Chattanooga held their grand opening of “Roads to Reading” on Monday.

They held this event at the East Lake Language and Arts center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This program offers books and audiovisual resources to Guatemalan families. It is meant to ensure these families can promptly begin their reading journey.

“We have all joined forces to create a program that has designed three separate books as well as audio videos in three languages, three Mayan dialects: Q’iche, Q’amjob’al, and Mam. We are focusing and being intentional about their native languages as we focus on Latino students’ early education,” said case manager for La Paz, Ashley Valencia.

Many Guatemalan families around Chattanooga currently speak these three Mayan languages.

Additionally, La Paz will offer classes called Opening Doors. This program is for parents who want to learn about the importance of reading with their children.