The Cape Verdean Nurturing Program

This program started more than twenty years ago when we recognized what we were providing in English was not fully meeting the needs of the large Cape Verdean population in Dorchester. 

Since the program’s inception, the parent groups have been conducted in Cape Verdean Kriolu, and the children’s groups have been conducted in English, but there are always CV Kriolu speakers in each group. During Family Nurturing Time, everyone plays and sings in both languages. 

The program has become a resource for families to better understand American culture, expectations, and laws that pertain to them and their children. There is a focus on communication—on parents telling the story of why they immigrated and on understanding that their children may be struggling to be both American and Cape Verdean. Families spend time discussing this issue of culture—how much you hang onto and how much you let go of, yet still remain who you are.

The Cape Verdean Nurturing Program is offered in the Boston area in the winter/spring, usually with a February start.

For more information, please contact Lourença Barros: lbarros@familynurturing.org or 803-496-4297.