Arcoiris, keeping Latin American culture and Spanish language alive.

Photo courtesy of Alicia Scott.

'Arcoiris' (Rainbow) is a Wellington based Spanish-language playgroup that has received COGS funding. The group keep Latin American culture and Spanish language alive while giving their children a sense of cultural identity.

As a long time member of Arcoiris, Dr Laura Hurtado-Roberts says, “When you are doing activities in a group, the natural act of speaking another language than English produces expressions of surprise: some people feel threatened because they don't understand.”

Arcoiris is concerned that despite the growing diversity of the population, New Zealanders lack willingness to integrate with other cultures (outside of Maori and European). Following the model of the highly successful Kohanga Reo movement, Arcoiris set out to change this attitude.

COGS funding helps them to achieve this. By providing a space where children can speak Spanish, they are allowing an environment that encourages cultural integration rather than assimilation. Helping New Zealand to become a country that is multi-cultural instead of just bi-cultural, will further development and harmony for future generations.

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