Founder, Emmanuel Saint Martin comments, “Last year we started with the conviction that the demand for bilingual education was stronger than ever.  This year’s edition is much bigger with many more languages represented. Our children live in a far different world than we did and it's important to be able to speak more than one language. Parents and educators are realizing this and this is becoming the new norm."

Classes are available throughout New York City, in both private and public education.  According to Chancellor Carmen Farina, “I dream of a New York City where every child speaks and writes two languages and is a true member of a global citizenry.


Dual Language programs make a difference for students and families in our increasingly globalized world. Speaking multiple languages and understanding different cultures is an asset for students, families, schools and our entire city, and they’re critical skills students will need for highly coveted 21st century jobs.”

IACE (Italian Committee on Education) is partner of this event.

The Education Office at the Italian Consulate General, IACE, and FIAO (Federation of Italian American Organizations) are committed to developing a dual language Italian class program because they are firmly convinced that it is a great way to reconnect the Italian American new generations to their roots and an important opportunity to promote Italian culture, history, excellence and way of life.

On this special occasion, they will organize the workshop “Italian: how bilingual education can reconnect Italian Americans to their roots” that will be held t 11.15am. During the workshop the perspective of development of the program will be discussed.

The first Italian Dual Language class in NYC has just started in Brooklyn, at Bensonhurst P.S. 768, connected with P.S. 112, led by Principal Jack Spatola and Principal Louise Verdemare-Alfano .

The other exhibitors and specific roundtable discussions will address:

Which language should we speak at home?

What if he/she mixes languages?

Where can I find other families who speak the same language?

How should I choose a school for my bilingual child?

How to help your kids in a language you don’t know

Learning Mandarin: How they can do it!

More than 80 schools (in 8 languages), publishers, educators, businesses and experts that practice and promote bilingual education in languages including French, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, German, Korean, Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew and more will be on hand at this interactive, fun-filled event to answer your questions. Childcare will be available all day long as well as many educational activities to keep the children active and engaged.

Piccolo café is partner and official sponsor of this event.