New Links along the Border: Cultural and Social Expression
through Critical Art and Literacy Education

AMOUNT: $15,000 US

PROJECT LEADERS: Javier Duran, Maria de Jesus Castillón López

INSTITUTIONS: University of Arizona and Instituto Tecnológico de Nogales

The under-funding and misalignment of K-12 schools in border communities decreases representation of Latinos in higher education. This learner-centered educational project, through the creation of a culturally relevant learning environment, provided artistic means and promoted social expression to underprivileged children of Nogales, Sonora. The curriculum was planned around three major activities: the narration of the children's families' migration stories and publication of these narratives; the presentation of a theatrical play pertaining to challenges children face as Mexican borderlanders; and, a celebration of Nogales culture through the creation of murals at the project site and in prominent public spaces. This project was a collaboration of the University of Arizona's Spanish and Portuguese Department, Arizona International College (AIC), Instituto Tecnológico de Nogales, and BorderLinks.