Escuelita SAMU

Summary

Escuelita SAMU supports Hispanic migrant children in the United States as they learn to read and write in Spanish. The initiative aims to preserve their connection to their native language and culture, ensuring they do not lose their linguistic heritage during their transition to life in the U.S. It also helps children develop greater cultural sensitivity and better opportunities in the future.

Organisation

SAMU Foundation - United States of America

Context/ Social issues addressed

Migrant children in the U.S. often lose their connection to their cultural heritage. This loss can limit opportunities as they grow and enter the workforce, and it may also create gaps in their social identity.

Between 2022 and 2025, SAMU supported 4,559 newcomer families with children arriving in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) area, 92.6% of whom were from Latin American countries, representing a significant increase in this population within the region. Upon entering the U.S. public school system, these children integrate into an environment where English becomes the primary language of communication and learning. As part of this process, they also face an increased risk of losing their native language.

This dynamic highlights that both language acquisition and school integration, while essential, are only one part of a broader adaptation process. However, research suggests that the social integration of migrant populations is more effectively achieved through a common cultural identity, intercultural dialogue, and cultural participation.

Proficiency in both Spanish and English offers significant benefits for migrant children. Bilingualism opens access to a broader range of career opportunities, higher earning potential, and greater competitiveness in fields such as healthcare, education, international business, and public service. It also strengthens cognitive flexibility, problem-solving abilities, and cultural awareness.

Fluency in both Spanish and English also fosters cultural participation. It helps prevent children from losing their cultural roots and enables them to engage more deeply with Latino cultural perspectives. As a result, bilingual children are better positioned for future success.

Finally, a common cultural identity (e.g., American identity) must be fostered among people with different cultural backgrounds, while recognising and appreciating each group's specific cultural identities.

For parents, their new context and social situation impose increased stress that may affect their relationship with their children. Living under constant stress or financial burden may lead to poor parenting, frustration, anxiety, and depression. This is exacerbated by fear of deportation under current circumstances in the U.S.

Objectives

1. Strengthen migrant children’s skills in writing and speaking Spanish.
2. Promote children’s cultural sense of belonging and cultural understanding.
3. Foster families’ emotional and social well-being.

Activities

Escuelita SAMU is a workshop-based intervention that provides Spanish lessons for children aged six to 12 through adapted guides. The programme is designed to be implemented in nine weeks, with two sessions per week of up to one and a half hours. Each cohort hosts up to twenty children.

Within those nine weeks, parents are offered two two-hour sessions led by a psychologist and therapist to cover different topics:

• Bullying prevention.
• Conflict resolution strategies.
• Emotional management and positive reinforcement.
• Positive parenthood skills.

Outcomes

1. Improved socio-emotional skills in children

• Outcome: Children will demonstrate improved Spanish language skills, including the ability to understand, express, and communicate effectively in Spanish within social and group settings.
• Metrics:
  • A total of 27 instructional hours are delivered per cohort over the nine-week programme.
  • At least 85% attendance rate across the nine-week programme.
  • At least 75% of participants show improvement in their Spanish skills.

2. Strengthened parental capacity in positive parenting and bullying prevention

• Outcome: Parents/caregivers will gain practical tools to support positive parenting, bullying prevention, and conflict resolution at home.
• Metrics:
  • At least 70% of parents of enrolled children attend the two workshops led by the psychologist.
  • 80% report increased confidence in managing bullying-related situations, as measured through post-session surveys.

Principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights

1. Education, training, life-long learning	2. Gender equality
3. Equal opportunities	4. Active support to employment
5. Secure and adaptable employment	6. Fair Wages
7. Transparent employment conditions	8. Social dialogue
9. Work-life balance	10. Healthy, safe work environment
11. Childcare and child support	12. Social protection
13. Unemployment benefits	14. Minimum income
15. Old age income and pensions	16. Health care
17. Inclusion of people with disabilities	18. Long-term care
19. Housing and assistance to homeless	20. Access to essential services

Funding Source

Other: Maryland Office for Refugee Assistance Funds

Links to supporting documents

SAMU First Response Supports Hispanic Children in Learning Spanish Literacy – SAMU First Response. SAMU Foundation 

Aprendamos las Vocales: A, E, I, O, U

Aprende a Leer y Escribir en Español | Las Sílabas Paso a Paso

BS 099 KIZIL TUTOR 027VERS Y