NEW BEDFORD — Children attending the free Art, Language and Culture summer program at Discovery Language Academy (DLA) in downtown New Bedford had a very special visit on Wednesday, August 10.
Governor Charlie Baker and members of his team paid a surprise visit to the summer campers, interacting with the youth and some school, board and PTO staff, as well as learning a little more about DLA’s programs and activities.
Also known as the New Bedford Portuguese School, the academy’s children’s folk group provided the Governor with traditional Portuguese songs and dances.
“What a treat!” said DLA Executive Director Leslie Vicente. “Governor Baker came with his team to see what a wonderful job we’ve been doing with our Summer Nights program.”
Established in 2015, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Summer Nights program provides free and safe youth programs to thousands of at-risk teenagers and young adults in urban areas across the Commonwealth through partnerships which it establishes with youth organizations, such as the DLA, offering a variety of recreational, educational and skill-building activities.
This summer, children participating in the DLA program enjoyed a wide range of activities, including field trips, crafts, and cultural and educational activities, among others.