Special Guest Session – Firefighters from Bolivia: “Los Quebrachos”

Last Saturday, during our Saturday Spanish School, Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ had the honor of hosting Quebracho, a volunteer forest firefighter team from Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

These brave environmental heroes, officially known as the Bomberos Forestales Quebracho, are dedicated to the prevention, control, and education of forest fires across one of Latin America’s most biodiverse regions.

Our DELE and Spanish immersion students enjoyed an unforgettable cultural and educational experience that brought environmental awareness to life through language.

🌿 What our students learned

• Biodiversity and ecosystems in Latin America

• The dangers of wildfires and the essential role of firefighters in protecting natural reserves

• Environmental vocabulary and real-world applications of Spanish

🔥 Activities included

• A Q&A session with the team commander and volunteers

• Interactive Spanish practice through meaningful dialogue

• A demonstration of real firefighting tools and techniques

This hands-on encounter allowed students to practice Spanish with purpose — while reflecting on the importance of conservation, teamwork, and global citizenship.

A heartfelt thank you to the Quebracho Firefighters of Bolivia for inspiring our students and sharing their vital work protecting our planet. 🇧🇴❤️

At Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™, we believe that environmental education is a pillar of intercultural learning. Together, we can continue fostering awareness and action to protect our forests and communities. 🌳💚

Celebrating Diversity at Horace Mann: Cultural Heritage Night 2025

Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ proudly participated in Cultural Heritage Night at Horace Mann Elementary School, in collaboration with Conéctate Foundation.

This vibrant annual event, which brought together more than 70 cultures from around the world, was a true celebration of diversity, creativity, and community spirit.

Together with families, students, and educators, Isabella & Ferdinand® showcased the richness of the Spanish language and Latin American traditions through music, dance, and art.

🎶 Highlights of the Evening

• Children’s Choir Performance: Our talented students filled the auditorium with joy and pride, performing songs that celebrated multiculturalism and unity.

• Sevillanas Dance Demonstration & Mini-Class: Led by Professor Lucía Torres, families joined in to learn the rhythm and movement of this traditional Andalusian dance.

• Bolivian Caporales Dance Show: The audience was captivated by the vibrant colors and energy of the Caporales, a dynamic folkloric dance that represents Bolivia’s cultural spirit.

• Live Music by Fulvia Fossati: The Bolivian singer delighted guests with an international repertoire, performing in multiple languages to honor global diversity.

• Art Station for Kids: Young artists explored creativity through painting activities inspired by Latin American culture.

• Information Booth: Families had the opportunity to learn about our Spanish immersion programs, Summer Camps, and DELE-certified courses that promote intercultural learning year-round.

The evening was a beautiful reminder that language and culture connect us all.
At Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™, we are proud to be part of such meaningful initiatives that celebrate identity, heritage, and community through education.

💫 ¡Gracias, Horace Mann Elementary and Conéctate Foundation, for an unforgettable celebration of culture and unity!

A Day of Culture and Connection at the País Invitado Cultural Immersion Event

This past Saturday, we had the pleasure of participating in the País Invitado Project—a vibrant cultural immersion event celebrating Bolivia and Latin America. Held at the Armenian Church and sponsored by the Bolivian Embassy and Conectate Foundation, the event brought together families, vendors, artisans, and educators to share and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region. Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ proudly took part as a vendor, showcasing our programs and sharing exciting plans for our Summer Camp 2025.

Families were warmly welcomed as they explored various artisan booths offering handcrafted textiles, jewelry, and crafts inspired by the Bolivian tradition of Alasitas, symbolizing abundance and good fortune. The event was filled with colorful displays that brought the sights and sounds of Latin American culture to life.

The energy was palpable as both children and adults savored delicious traditional Bolivian cuisine, mingled with vendors, and enjoyed live music and dance performances. One of the event's highlights was a captivating Caporales dance, which mesmerized the audience and celebrated the deep connection between art, music, and heritage.

In addition to the cultural festivities, Miriam Ybarnegaray, one of our talented teachers, led a fun and interactive art class that delighted both young and old. The children especially enjoyed creating their own artworks, inspired by Bolivian culture, while practicing their Spanish skills in a hands-on, creative setting.

Our Isabella & Ferdinand® team was present throughout the event, connecting with families, answering questions, and sharing details about our educational programs. We were thrilled to see so many parents and children eager to learn more about how we incorporate language learning with cultural experiences.

"Participating in the 1st event of the País Invitado Project was an incredibly enriching experience for our community. It was an honor to share the cultural richness of Bolivia and Latin America while fostering Spanish learning in a creative and interactive way. At Isabella & Ferdinand®, we believe that language goes beyond words; it's a gateway to culture and understanding. We're excited to continue offering these spaces of learning and culture for our families."

Maira Abasto, Executive Director - Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™

This event was a testament to the importance of community, culture, and learning. We are honored to have been part of such a special day, and we thank the Bolivian Embassy and all the organizers for hosting this enriching experience. We look forward to many more opportunities to bring families together through language, art, and the vibrant cultures of Latin America.

Introducing Learning Treasures: Toys & Educational Materials Collection Program

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Learning Treasures: Toys & Educational Materials Collection Program, a meaningful initiative designed to give gently used or new toys, books, school supplies, and educational tools a second life. Through Learning Treasures, we aim to create more engaging and enriching learning environments, ensuring that every child has access to the resources that inspire creativity and growth.

Why Your Contribution Matters

Each item donated—whether a toy, book, or educational tool—becomes a treasure in the hands of a child, enhancing their learning experience. By contributing to this program, you’re not just donating materials; you’re making a profound impact on the education of our students, fostering an environment where curiosity, discovery, and joy thrive.

What We're Collecting:

• Gently used or new toys: Bring fun and learning together during playtime.

• Books for all ages: Share the love of reading and help ignite imagination.

• Educational games and puzzles: Promote critical thinking and problem-solving.

• School supplies: Equip students with the tools they need to succeed.

How You Can Make a Difference

Donations can be brought directly to class, where they’ll be collected and distributed to students in need. With your support, we can turn classrooms into vibrant spaces of interactive learning, where each child has access to materials that inspire both creativity and growth.

Together, through Learning Treasures, we can transform simple items into powerful tools for education. Stay tuned for details on collection points and additional ways to get involved. Your generosity will help us build a stronger, more inclusive community of learners.

For any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@isabellaandferdinand.org to make your material and toy donations.

Empowering Heritage Spanish Speakers: A Reflection on Our Participation in the Symposium at Instituto Cervantes

As the Director of Isabella & Ferdinand Academia de Español, I had the privilege of representing our academy at the symposium “La enseñanza de español para hablantes de herencia” this past Saturday at the Instituto Cervantes in New York. The event was a profound experience, allowing us to further our commitment to supporting heritage Spanish speakers by focusing on their unique sociocultural and linguistic needs.

One of the central themes of the symposium was the critical role of fostering a strong cultural identity in our students. We explored how connecting their heritage language with both their personal and professional aspirations can create a sense of pride and belonging. This not only enriches their language skills but also strengthens their emotional and psychological well-being.

As educators, we recognize the importance of creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where young Hispanic/Latino learners in the U.S. can thrive academically while embracing their cultural roots.

The workshops offered at the event were particularly impactful, introducing us to innovative tools designed to empower marginalized communities. One standout was the use of podcasts, which provide students with a platform to share their voices, stories, and experiences. Additionally, we learned how to integrate Latino archival collections from CUNY into our Spanish instruction, offering students a richer and more meaningful connection to their heritage.

This symposium has not only reinforced our passion for teaching but also inspired us to continue evolving our educational methods. At Isabella & Ferdinand, we are dedicated to ensuring that our students not only master the Spanish language but also develop a deep, lasting connection to their cultural heritage. Through these initiatives, we aim to help them build a bridge between their past and their future, fostering both linguistic proficiency and cultural pride.

We are excited to incorporate these new ideas into our programs and to continue shaping the future of heritage language education.

Maira Abasto - Executive Director Isabella & Ferdinand Academia de Español