MILFORD, Del. – For the first time, eighth-grade multilingual learners from Milford Central Academy spent Friday touring Latino-owned businesses in Milford to practice Spanish and learn about cultural entrepreneurship.
The experience was part of a partnership between Milford School District and The Culture Club PR, designed to celebrate Latino heritage, language and small business ownership.
Among the stops on the tour were Flow Factory Barbershop, Patty’s Nectar, Splash Laundromat, My Sister’s Fault and Bibi’s Restaurant. At each location, students engaged with business owners, learning how each business was founded and the role language and culture play in entrepreneurship.
At Flow Factory Barbershop, students heard about the shop’s origin and the deeper meaning behind a haircut.
“As a barber, you’re more than just a dude who cuts hair,” said Carlos Meléndez, who works at Flow Factory Barbershop. “You are a therapist. You’re there for the good times and the bad times. You motivate people. You’re just like a counselor, a psychologist, something like that.”
Students spoke with business owners in Spanish, asking questions about their work and backgrounds.
“I thought it was pretty cool how I learned different phrases and how to correctly say them,” said Alexis Vathes, an eighth grader at Milford Central Academy.
The day also gave students a broader view of how their language skills can make meaningful connections in the community.
“It just makes me happy to see them out of the classrooms, talking to other people,” said Janine Rodríguez, a paraprofessional at the school. “That shows them that being bilingual is just an amazing thing.”
The tour ended back at the school, where students were treated to lunch from the Sabor Latino food truck, including traditional pupusas.
On May 30, it will be the seventh graders’ turn to explore local businesses and practice Spanish.
