Education, Information Keys For Migrant Families' Progress

By Reporter Lourdes Muñoz

Having access to education and to information about sources of support is crucial for Hispanic migrant families to succeed in the United States.

It makes the difference between being left behind and achieving the American Dream, says parent leader Hugo Martinez, vice chairman of the Migrant Education Program State Advisory Committee (SAC).

Mr. Martínez, born in Puebla, México, moved to the U.S. 17 years ago and overcame many obstacles himself. He now works to help other Hispanic newcomers.

"I crossed the border illegally," he admits. "This is what it means to be Mexican. Nothing stops us when we are searching for a better life."

But he says it is tough for an illegal immigrant to become a member of a new foreign society.

"Learning a new language, adopting a new culture and becoming part of this beautiful country and its great opportunities are some of the biggest challenges Hispanics have ever had to face," he says.

Education is the key to achieve these goals, Hugo says. "Education is a priority in order to take advantage of the opportunities this country offers -- better jobs and a better life," he says.

"A few years after my arrival, I went back to school to study English because I realized I must speak the language spoken in this country if I wanted to succeed," Hugo says.

"My first job in this country was a construction worker. I used to migrate, too. I worked in Yakima Valley and Wenatchee, and I also had the opportunity to go to Alaska," he says. He continued to migrate until about two years ago.

He now works in an apple packing plant. He’s been able to get a better job there because he set his heart on learning English.

He wants all the Hispanic community to share his success. Now that he has become a member of the American society, he thinks he can help others, especially the new generations, and make things easier for them.

Hugo and his wife, María Irma, have five children -- Alejandra, Oscar, Hugo, Yaretzy and Axel. For their sake, the couple enthusiastically promotes education

His way of living and thinking changed tremendously when he learned about Washington state’s Migrant Education Program.

Hugo now devotes much of his time to helping others. The most rewarding thing about helping people is observing their progress, he says. It is inspiring to see them overcoming the language barrier and promoting cross-cultural understanding.

"I volunteer in the Bridgeport School District and serve as PAC [Parent Advisory Committee] president. This is the way both parents and community work with the schools," he says.

"This is a great opportunity to work for Hispanics statewide and to get much more information about support programs for my people.

"I have learned about the hardships Hispanic migrants have endured in order to succeed in this country. And, even though it is a tough process, we are encouraged by having our kids in school," Hugo says.

"My children want a better future than mine; although I think I am happy living in a country where quite a lot of opportunities can be seized and where we are free to talk about our needs."

Hugo wants his people to be united in order to have their voice heard.

"It is important to be ready to learn, to evolve, to be involved in education and the community. In joining efforts we can achieve an easier transition," he says.

"We are facing so many challenges but we have as many opportunities to achieve our goals."

He believes if all the Hispanics get involved they would "reach the peak," have a better future and make their dreams come true.

"Necessity gives birth to effort," Hugo says.

Besides education, however, quite a lot of problems afflict the migrant community. Poverty is one of the biggest challenges they face.

"My people have fewer education and work opportunities because of racism. I have learned, as member of PAC, racism is a big problem Hispanics have to deal with in this country," Hugo says.

"It is hard for some Americans to understand that in order to be a great country we must promote the cross-cultural understanding and accept diversity," he says.

"In Washington state we have 180 ethnic groups. Dr. Richard Gómez, director of the state’s Migrant Education Program, has told us about the necessity of implementing assistance programs so all these people can improve their lifestyle," Hugo says.

Hugo recognizes the existing educational gap between Hispanics and white Americans. "This is not because we are not smart," he says.

He points to the need of better programs so people who speak a different language than English can properly adjust to this country’s education system.

Hugo and the entire Bridgeport School District have been honored on a number of occasions for the great academic advancements the district’s students have made despite major obstacles. Superintendent Gene Schmidt notes that the district’s student population is 87% low income and 80% Hispanic, with a high percentage of migrant and English language learner (ELL) populations.

Parental involvement has been highlighted as one of the reasons for the district’s success.

Bridgeport Elementary School was winner of the Washington State Title I Award and Academic Achievement for 2005. Bridgeport High School was the 2005 National Title I Distinguished School. Both schools received their honors at the National Title I Convention in Atlanta in January.

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) presented the Washington State Civic Star Award to the district at its national conference in San Antonio in February.

And in March the district was honored by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) for outstanding efforts to promote multicultural education in its schools and its community, awarding it the 2004 WSSDA Diversity Award.

Although these acknowledgements make Hugo feel proud of his work as PAC president, the people working directly with the kids are making the main difference, he asserts.

"We are greatly blessed having a school staff with a huge heart and an enormous vision on the country’s future. They have opened the school doors widely to us; they allow us to get involved," he says.

"I am focused on the parents, working in the schools with major Hispanic population in order to be directly involved in the decision-making," he says.

He and other Hispanics have been urged to run for the School Board. "They encourage Hispanics to take these positions," he says.