Accepting the Challenge

The students at EEEP Pentecoste have now being studying with the Cooperative Learning methodology for a year and a half.  They have encountered and overcome many challenges.  But, as happens anytime we work in groups and depend upon one another conflicts have arisen and continue to arise.  This is natural and even healthy.  By learning to work through these conflicts the students are developing skills they will need to succeed in the working world, as leaders of communities and within their own families.

For most Brasilian students classes ended last week and they are now enjoying their mid-year vacations.  There are 60 students (15 from each discipline in the 2nd year) who have yet to begin their breaks and are still brianstorming ideas to improve their school, the interactions between students and the cooperative learning methodology.  For the next three days the students will reflect on their experiences thus far and strategize ways to improve the next semester.  These 60 students were selected to be student coordinators in their classes and are accepting this responsibility and challenge.

I have found most impressive the way the students have been able to reflect upon their own stumbling blocks, accept their responsibility and accept feedback that will help to strengthen their role as leaders.  This is not an easy skill for any of us to do, let alone a teenager.  These students are accepting a big challenge with open arms and an open mind.  

An Oasis

Educandus at Boa Vista

There is a place that I have come to think of as an oasis.  120 kilometers from Fortaleza and 36 kilometers from the nearest town, Pentecoste, and in the middle of the hot barren land of northeastern Brasil one can find a fount of knowledge, determination, love and community.  This place is called Boa Vista, and the PRECE group there captures my heart every time I visit!

The amazing thing about the people of Boa Vista is that they will take a small idea or vision and let it grow to fruition.  They will then develop something larger than anyone had ever imagined.  This happens time and time again and the fount grows to reach more and more people! This past weekend I visited the community of Boa Vista to observe exactly how one of these ideas has taken shape.

When a group from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta visited Boa Vista in the summer of 2012 the two groups committed to a partnership of developing an educational project which uses both computer technology and the cooperative learning methodology.  The educational CDs developed by Educandus, computers, new building, chairs and tables were all funded by an individual donor from First Presbyterian Church.  A group of PRECE university students from Boa Vista were trained in the Educandus program and dedicated their weekends to facilitating courses using both the technology and the cooperative learning methodology.  A key group of leaders also oversaw the building project, managed monthly attendance for students and teachers and provided light snacks for the children.

Though the project started slowly everyone is on board and enjoying the fruits of their hard work! The PRECE university leaders are dedicated to developing lessons that use both the computer program and the cooperative learning methodology.  The students have better attendance than in years past.  And, everyone is working together to build another amazing part of tapestry that makes Boa Vista such an oasis for all around! Congratulations to all involved!!!