On a recent Saturday morning, about half a dozen students gather in a circle at the Thompson Lane library branch. They kick off class with a rompehielo, or ice breaker.
Today, it’s hot potato. Students laugh as they toss a hacky sack around the circle. Music plays in the background. The person left holding the small bean bag when it cuts out must answer a question in Spanish. Students draw tiny slips of paper from a bucket asking things like ¿Qué hora es? and ¿Cómo te llamas?
With each answer, an instructor makes gentle corrections.
Alexis Marshall WPLN NewsTeacher María Fernanda de León plays hot potato with students of Voces de Nashville.
This is one of the many new classes Voces de Nashville has offered. WPLN News brought you their story earlier this year, and since then they’ve seen tremendous growth. Their enrollment exploded from fewer than 20 students in 2021, to more than 150 students over the course of 2022.
Voces de Nashville works differently from traditional Spanish classes. Part of that is its co-op model, which empowers local Latina women to earn money as teachers and, after a trial period, become part-owners. María Fernanda de León teaches for Voces. She said she built a whole career in Guatemala, but when she came to Nashville, she didn’t have the same opportunities. She said she loves the way Voces de Nashville has changed her life.
“Y pues ahora estar acá en Voces de Nashville, siento que me dió como un renacer.”
De León said it’s been like a rebirth, an opportunity to rediscover herself.
Something else that sets Voces de Nashville apart: There’s no textbooks or big tests. Instead, students build functional conversation skills so they can connect with their Spanish speaking neighbors. That’s what attracted student Tina Clemmons.
Alexis Marshall WPLN NewsTina Clemmons (left) and Schycheeree Gilbert work with their teacher to complete an activity describing themselves in Spanish.
“I love it because I also live in this community where there are a lot of Hispanic people,” Clemmons said. “Even when I’m in the store, they may ask the clerk or somebody for something, and they don’t understand. And being in this class, maybe I can help.”
The library paid for this Saturday community class. Voces co-founder Beatriz Ordaz Ramirez said it’s been a wonderful opportunity to open courses to folks who might not be able to afford one of Voces’ regular classes.
“Considero que es magnífico para poder unir a nuestras comunidades, y crear un ambiente solidario y amigable.”
She said it’s magnificent to be able to bring communities together and create a supportive, friendly environment.
Voces de Nashville has even more on the horizon in 2023. They’re planning to welcome 10 new member-owners to the co-op early next year. And they’ve got a contract to help certain teachers in Metro Schools better connect with their Spanish speaking students and families.
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