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“This basic understanding of Spanish can
help put Hispanics at ease in different situations,” Tharp
says. “We have a community of Hispanics wanting this to be
their home, and we need to work together for them to be successful.”
Hispanics are now the nation’s largest
minority group, with a population of more than 35 million, according
to the 2000 U.S. Census. Indiana’s Hispanic population numbers
215,000, with Clinton, Marion, St. Joe, Lake, Elkhart, Allen and
Noble counties seeing the largest growth.
Because of the increase in Indiana’s Hispanic
population, Purdue Extension is beginning to offer more programs
and opportunities to learn about our new neighbors, says Carmen
DeRusha, Purdue Extension leadership and community development educator
in Marion County. DeRusha understands the challenges and emotions
of immigration firsthand because she came from Colombia to the United
States in 1986. However, she also knows about the positive impact
this culture can provide.
“Inviting new people into the American
culture makes an interesting dynamic that affects the quality of
life,” DeRusha says. “There is a lot to be learned from
those that don’t look like you.”
DeRusha, along with the Indiana Association for
Community Economic Development, started a Hispanic/Latino Statewide
Summit to promote interaction between the Hispanic and non-Hispanic
cultures in Indiana. For the last three years, the summit has brought
together these two groups to listen and learn about the Hispanic
culture and its communities and to promote cultural understanding.
Serving a new audience
Purdue Extension programs that have been around
for many years are also making their way into Hispanic homes. In
Noble County, 4-H Youth Extension educator Doug Keenan introduced
4-H to Hispanic students two years ago. Keenan and a Hispanic program
assistant work with nearly 30 youths after school on different projects.
“It is rewarding to watch the children work on projects because
it allows them to express their personalities and creativity through
the activities,” Keenan says.
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