Archbishop Gomez and Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together Launch English Teaching Program on Guadalupe Radio Network

MATT.org

PRESS RELEASE                       

     MEDIA:   Margaret Pullés 202.492.4849           

mpulles@pumacommunications.com

ARCHBISHOP GOMEZ AND MEXICANS AND AMERICANS THINKING TOGETHER LAUNCH ENGLISH TEACHING PROGRAM ON GUADALUPE RADIO NETWORK

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The Archdiocese of San Antonio and Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together (MATT) announced the launch of  MATT Maestro en Casa (Teacher at Home), a free English program scheduled to air as of October 20 on Guadalupe Radio Network. 

The Texas-based, Spanish-language stations, KJON 850 AM Dallas-Ft-Worth, KWMF 1380 AM San Antonio, and KVDG 90.9 FM Midland, will transmit the MATT Maestro en Casa pilot project to help Spanish-speaking individuals integrate into American society by teaching practical and simple English-language courses. Texas is the first State to air the  MATT Maestro en Casa English-teaching program, which is planned to expand to other key States with high-density Latino populations.

“We are extremely pleased and honored to partner with the Archdiocese of San Antonio in this worthy effort,” says Aracely Garcia-Granados, executive director of Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together, who first learned about a similar program in Panama and worked with the Instituto Panameño de Educacion por Radio (IPER) who developed the program.

 “Having a radio program like MATT Maestro en Casa is the answer for both young and adults who have not had the opportunity to learn English” commented Garcia-Granados.  “Trust is an important element in the Latino community and that is why we decided to approach our board member, Archbishop Jose Gomez about getting his support for the MATT Maestro en Casa program”

“We know that the immigrant experience is one of dislocation, disorientation and much struggle – largely due to the inability to understand the culture and the language of the new home country.  This initiative is close to my heart because it deals with the core issue of communication which is essential for any human being in order to survive and succeed,” commented Archbishop Gomez who spearheaded this initiative on behalf of MATT and made this program become a reality for thousands to benefit.

MATT Maestro en Casa was adapted to suit the lifestyles and circumstances of the United States so that the lessons not only teach the basics of the English language but also provide information and insight into practical situations experienced in everyday life in America.

The lessons will air three times a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) from 10:00 am to 10:30 am.  Lessons can also be heard online at www.mattmaestroencasa.org to help accommodate people’s schedules.   The lessons are supplemented with workbooks that are obtained free at MATT or through various community organizations that have agreed to help distribute the materials.  

Attending the launch at the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) was Congressman Charles Gonzalez, the Honorable Secretary of State Esperanza “Hope” Andrade, Dr. Arturo Chavez, President and CEO of MACC, City Councilwoman Mary Alice Cisneros, as well as Julie Gonzalez Revilla, Board Member of the Instituto Panameno de Educacion por Radio (IPER).

For more information on MATT Maestro en Casa English program, visit www.themattfoundation.org or email liliza@themattfoundation.org

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Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together (MATT) is a San Antonio-based bi-national, non-profit organization.  MATT’s mission is to bridge the gaps of understanding between Mexicans and Americans and address quality of life issues so both nations may truly prosper together. MATT, through its national grassroots network and presence in Washington, D.C., implements productive and effective projects focused on immigration integration, economic development and education. MATT is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of business and thought leaders from the U.S. and Mexico. For more information, visit our website at www.matt.org or call MATT toll free at 1-866-980-MATT (6288).