Enrique Camarena Jr High – if we read we will succeed

The program "if we read we will succeed" is getting noticed by Barrona, assembly member Garcia and author Adrianna Cuevas.

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A new reading program at Enrique Camarena junior high school aims to bring bi-cultural books and authors to students.

It's all part of the “if we read, we will succeed” program that will give students knowledge of their culture.

Assembly member Eduardo Garcia and "Barona band of mission" awarded the program with two grants worth five- thousand dollars.

Teachers say their goal is to help children identify themselves in these books.The school welcomed bicultural author Adrianna Cuevas who presented books about her cuban culture.

“For them showing them that there are kids that look like them... talk like them... in books... they can relate to a lot of characters because growing up I didn’t have that at all,” said Cuevas.

Students who attend Enrique Camarena junior high school shared their emotions.

“For me it makes me feel appreciated theres not many places where Mexican culture... latino culture are noticed by many people and here is very important for us, we are next to the border," said Ana Carvario.

“I think it's a wonderful experience that students and teachers can read about our cultures," said Ian Alva.

As for the teachers what inspired them to start this program.

“Most of our curriculum didn’t have that variety of multiculturalism. When we think about hispanics we think about Mexicans and right now we are really expanding on that," said Yulil Alonso-Garza.

“Our students do need that... they need to be able to read and have choice and hopefully they are inspired by this,” said Lisa Mendoza.