The Los Angeles Police Department and the Newton Community Youth Activities League will soon offer free French language instruction for children through a partnership with a company that specializes in such education, authorities said Friday.
“Early Lingo” is an award-winning foreign language learning system for children up to 9 years of age. The free, one-hour education sessions using iPad devices will be available to area families beginning Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the LAPD Newton Community Police Station, 3400 South Central Ave.
“The LAPD is pleased to offer this opportunity to families in the Newton Area,” LAPD Capt. Jorge Rodriguez said. “I was born in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to the United States with my parents when I was seven years old. It would’ve been great if foreign language programs like this were available when I was a kid.”
The Early Lingo learning system includes interactive games and lessons, original videos, workbooks and flashcards, and a unique written test feature making it fun to learn a foreign language, said Caryn Antonini, founder and CEO of Early Lingo.
“Our mission from day one has been to enrich and enhance the lives of children and families from all walks of life,” Antonini said. “We’re excited to donate our entire curriculum to the Youth Activities League so children can continue their language education throughout the year.”
In addition to working with police departments and communities, Early Lingo works with the Los Angeles Unified School District and schools in several states to raise awareness about the long-term benefits of learning foreign languages.
Gaining even basic foreign language skills gives students — especially low income and underprivileged youth — the opportunity to develop communication, active listening and cultural competency skills, Antonini said.
For more information, visit http://www.earlylingo.com.
–City News Service