hispaniclatino

The number of Hispanics in Manchester grew by 133% from 1990 to 2000, to approximately 5,000. In the Manchester school district, there are 75 countries represented and 55 different dialects spoken. Responding to this new demographic reality, SNHS has established the Department of Community and Multi-Cultural Services as part of our ongoing commitment to the cultural and linguistic populations within our community.

Through the Latin American Center and ALPHA Youth Services, activities designed to support, strengthen and enhance the lives of the Hispanic community are supported by SNHS.

Programming includes:

Escuelita (a summer enrichment program for inner city children)

Bilingual assistance in completing forms and applications

Spanish interpretation and translation services

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes

Computer classes

Parenting classes

Resiliency Training

Mentoring and positive role modeling

ALPHA Youth Services provides middle and high school youth with academic tutoring, resiliency training, computer skills, counseling life skills training, and recreational activities in a structured, supportive setting.

LAC sponsors numerous cultural enrichment events and community forums, provides ESL and computer classes, assists clients with a variety of needs, and publishes "La Voz" ("The Voice"), a quarterly informational bilingual newsletter.

Interpretation & Translation Services

The Latin American Center has traditionally offered Spanish interpretation, contract and document translation services at its Maple Street location. On May 8, 2000 SNHS signed a contract with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services that provides for additional translation and interpretation services at the Nashua District Welfare Office. These additional services are offered Monday through Friday during regularly scheduled hours of operation. The purpose of the contract is to assist clients in understanding and fully utilizing the services of the District Office.