20th Paaralan sa Konsulado Opens for Young Filipino-Ams in New York
The Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK) students sing the Lupang Hinirang during the flag ceremony preceding the short program during the opening day of the PSK held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on 30 June 2018. (New York PCG photo)
NEW YORK 09 July 2018 – The 20th Paaralan sa Konsulado (PSK) was launched at the Philippine Center on 30 June 2018. 58 excited students were accompanied by teachers, volunteers, parents, and organizing partners throughout the day.
As a flagship project of the Philippine Consulate General in New York in partnership with the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America (AFTA), PSK is a summer school with a curriculum focused on lessons about the Philippines.
PSK offers classes for young Filipinos and Filipino-Americans aged 6-16 years old. The program runs for five Saturdays during summer. This year, it will be held from 30 June to 28 July 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
During the opening ceremony, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate shared a story about the talents and works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, and reminded the children to share his legacy and to be proud to be Filipino. He also thanked the teachers and parents for continuing the effort of teaching children about where we come from and what our culture means.
In her inspirational remarks, PSK alumna Marilyn Diosa—who was with the first batch to join the PSK in 1999 and who is now a grade school teacher in New York City—shared how she was initially overwhelmed, but eventually had a great time at PSK.
Diosa encouraged the children to enjoy and be open as it will be an opportunity for fun, new memories, friendship and inculcate the love of Filipino culture and values.
AFTA President Roxanne Cajigas introduced the teachers, volunteers, and the Consulate General’s officials. Cajigas also welcomed the children and assured the parents that the five Saturdays would be full of fun and learning. She also encouraged the parents to be involved in the planning of the culminating activity, which is scheduled to be held on 28 July 2018.
Following the program, the classes of the three group levels formally started.
For 20 years, the Consulate General and AFTA have continued to find ways to innovate and improve the curriculum of the PSK, and this year promises to be even more interesting for the PSK students with the program’s lineup of activities. END
Group 2 students of PSK ages 9 to 11 (right) explore the different islands in the Philippines in their geography class and Group 1 students ages 6 to 8 (left) enjoy their art class. (New York PCG photos)
Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate welcomes the Paaralan sa Konsulado students and thanks the parents for encouraging their children to discover Philippine culture. (New York PCG photo)
For more information, visit www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.newyorkpcg.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/.