LEXINGTON, Ky. — Casa de la Cultura KY and Global Lex, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's Office of Global Engagement, inaugurated Kentucky's first Plaza Comunitaria during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a historic milestone for Spanish-speaking adults seeking educational credentials in the state.

The program, established in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in Indianapolis, allows Spanish-speaking adults to earn official elementary and secondary education credentials without leaving Kentucky. Mónica Calleja, founder and executive director of Casa de la Cultura KY, cut the ceremonial ribbon alongside Maki Teramoto, Head Consul of Mexico in Indianapolis; Soreyda Benedit-Begley, Casa de la Cultura KY Board President; and Dr. Basel Touchan, Global Lex Executive Director.

Plaza Comunitaria is sponsored by Mexico's Instituto Nacional para la Educación de los Adultos (INEA), the nation's adult education institute. Through the program, participants can begin, continue, or complete primary and secondary education in Spanish at no cost, working online through a curriculum based on the Mexican educational system. Participants gain access to literacy instruction, online learning resources, and work toward official certification recognized by the Mexican government. The program is open to any Spanish-speaking adult, regardless of national origin or background.

"We are thrilled to expand the organization's programs by providing Spanish-speaking adults with the opportunity to complete their elementary and middle school education through the Plaza Comunitaria," said Benedit-Begley in a statement. "We are grateful for the confidence placed in us by the Mexican Consulate and the Instituto Nacional para la Educación de los Adultos to establish the first Plaza Comunitaria in Kentucky, here in Lexington."

Official enrollment will open later this fall once final logistical details are completed. In-person support sessions will be hosted at three locations: Global Lex, the Marksbury Family Branch of the Lexington Public Library, and the Cardinal Valley Community Center.