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The country’s first National Language Fair is set to take place April 30 and May 1 at the National Culture Center (CENAC) in downtown San José. The event will bring together organizations involved in language education throughout the country, and aims to communicate the many language-learning possibilities available to the public today. It also seeks to encourage different agents in the field to share their knowledge and strengthen cooperation among them.
Visitors will be able to browse a wide range of services offered by public and private educational institutions as well as nongovernmental organizations, publishing houses and other groups. Exhibitors have donated several benefits for guests, including a full scholarship lottery.
The fair also will feature various artistic and cultural activities. Invited embassies will display the traditions and creative expressions of their countries and create an atmosphere of cultural diversity.
The National Language Fair is a group effort by several public and private institutions.
It is headed by Costa Rica Multilingüe, a national initiative launched by President Oscar Arias in 2008 with the goal of improving Costa Ricans’ communication skills in English and other foreign languages. Pairing English-speaking volunteers with Tico students is among the program’s many efforts.
The fair will be open to the public April 30 from 1:30 to 8 p.m. and May 1 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information or to get involved with Costa Rica Multilingüe, visit www.crmultilingue.org or contact Marta Blanco at crmultilingue@casapres.go.cr or 2207-9485.
–Tico Times
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