During the next 12 months local politicians, individual volunteers and businesses will be working together to establish an adult educational program for Mexican immigrants in the Gila Valley.

A few months ago, members of the Mexican Government approached David Berni, a federal case manager for Graham County's juvenile detention center.

They were seeking assistance in establishing Plaza Comunitaria, an educational grant for immigrant adult education. Berni, who has previously lived and owned a business in Mexico, was ready and willing to assist. Berni said that he feels the program will benefit the community on a number of levels.

"Many of the immigrants that flow into our country from Mexico are from poor rural areas where educational opportunities have been limited until recently," he said. "Plaza Comunitaria provides educational materials and opportunities for adults to improve their skills and interact as positive members of society."

According to Berni, the Mexican government has recently been emphasizing education as a vehicle to improve lives and provide opportunities. He said that President Vicente Fox stressed the importance of education in various speeches that he has given over the last few months.

Because today's immigrants are highly transitory, often moving back and forth from one side of the border to the other, Plaza Comunitaria is a way to improve the standard of living in the U.S. as well as Mexico, Berni said.

The program, which will focus on self-learning, is designed to educate persons 16 years and older at a first through ninth grade educational level.

"It will be somewhat more in depth than our GED program," Berni said. "The program is composed of didactic (taught) materials from language to math. Part of the program is to teach English as a second language. The idea of a plaza is a place where people can meet and learn from each other."

Berni said he feels that the focus on adult education will help younger students as well.

"Adults can be acquiring their own education while their children are studying in local schools. This might empower children to do better, because there's a correlation between parents who are interested in education and children who are interested."

Graham County Dem-ocratic Chairperson Victor Ornelas is helping Berni establish the program. Ornelas, who was chosen to participate due to his strong connections with the local Mexican community, has committed to support Plaza Comunitaria.

"This would be good for the community. It will help Graham County Mexicans get an education," he said. "Mexico would honor the educational certificates that are earned here."

Berni and Ornelas have some time-consuming tasks ahead of them.

"We're hoping in the next 12 months to set the program up and have it functioning," Berni said. "We're looking for people to volunteer time and for some needed funding."

They are also searching for an employer or school that can offer a facility for the program.

Berni said that various Plaza Commentaries programs already exists in Scottsdale, as well as in various cities throughout Utah, Texas and California.

For more information about Plaza Comunitaria, contact Berni at 485-9361.