Shuang Wen Academy Network (SWAN) Celebrates Chinese New Year 2012, Year of the Dragon

New York, NY – January 23, 2012 – Shuang Wen Academy Network (SWAN), the successful after-school Chinese language immersion program in Manhattan, celebrates the beginning of the Chinese New Year, the most important holiday in the Chinese culture. SWAN, which teaches Mandarin while imparting an understanding the Chinese culture, prepares students to be global citizens in an increasingly competitive and demanding international environment.

Unlike the one night New Year celebration in America, Chinese Lunar New Year lasts for 15 days. This year is especially significant since the Dragon is one of the most powerful zodiacs, a symbol of vitality and wisdom. Wearing red, hanging Chinese lucky symbols, dragon dances and red envelopes are among the most exciting traditions that families practice.

As a leading Chinese immersion program in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, SWAN has always been the driving force behind dual language and dual culture education. Participants of all ethnic backgrounds are not only receiving Chinese language instruction but also learn about the values and beauty behind festivals like the Chinese Lunar New Year. The instruction takes place every school day from 3:00 to 5:30pm at PS 184M. Parents pay approximately $5 per day for their children to discover another world and immerse themselves in a whole new language.

Nora Chang Wang, SWAN’s Board Chair said: “SWAN always takes pride in our Chinese language and culture instruction which is well integrated into the innovative, successful dual language model. However you celebrate and enjoy the traditions of the Lunar New Year, let me say ‘Gong Xi Fa Tsai,’ which means ‘Wishing you a prosperous year.”

In the future, the organization’s strategic vision entails replication of best practices and models built and implemented in multiple schools and communities via technology, partnerships and expansion of SWAN’s program.

This spring SWAN will hold its first fundraising gala in NYC. Local corporations and donors will be invited to get involved with this event.

About Shuang Wen Academy Network (SWAN):
Founded in 1996, the mission of SWAN is to develop proficiency in Mandarin Chinese language and awareness of Chinese culture in individuals, preparing them as global citizens in an increasingly competitive and demanding international environment.  Since its inception, SWAN has been giving students an opportunity to master Mandarin. Visit www.swan-nyc.org.

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