The Joy of Children

Something happens to many people around adolescence and during early adulthood. We would often say that live “hardens” us. Experiences prove that life isn’t always easy, it isn’t always fun and it definitely isn’t always fair. But, the bliss of being a child is the innocence that helps them remain blinded to the harshness of life. And, their joy, their smiles and their laughter is what reminds the rest of us that our troubles sometimes aren’t as serious as we make them seem.

This past weekend I was blessed to be surrounded by nearly 40 children and young adolescents as we began a new English class in the rural (as in “no running water” rural) community of Boa Vista. These students gather in small groups each Saturday at 8 a.m. to study various subjects with university students- math, science Portuguese. They flock to EPC Boa Vista in groups knowing that this extra opportunity to study is going to give them a “leg up” in 5-10 years when they are trying to enter the university. And, the university students faithfully return to their community to continue the cycle of education and empowerment.

Then, at 9 a.m. everyone walked 10 minutes down the dirt road to the newly built Centro de Inclusão Digital, a beautiful building with a computer lab (internet to come), classroom and library, which the community of Boa Vista earned from the Federal government. There we all joined for English class. The energy and excited chatter of the children helped to keep the class lively and interactive. And, their enthusiasm for learning helped me to relax for a moment and forget the harshness of rural life that engulfs so many. It is their liveliness that gives hope for the future of the rural poor communities and reminds me why I have chosen to spend my time in Brasil working alongside the PRECE movement.

Reflections from mom- Her first time in Brasil...

One of the reasons I loved teaching Kindergarten was because of the “community” approach that teachers use in kindergarten. So much of the students’ time in kindergarten is spent in small groups with the kids helping the others in their groups. I was always surprised by how the kindergartners could teach each other better than I could teach them! Somehow, this “community” feeling is lost by the time American students reach high school and the academic competition is so fierce, it often feels like “each man for himself.”

But, the PRECE movement embodies this same “community of learning” style. The PRECE students work for the success of all. Probably the most impressive day I had here was when students came together to take the ENEM test. (like our SATs, but much more intense- two entire afternoons spent in grueling testing of chemistry, physics, geography, biology, Portuguese, foreign language and history!) In the U.S., we, as parents, wish our children well, and then send them off on their own to take the SAT test. But the PRECE movement and its cooperative learning sister group at UFC takes a different approach. Not only do these students, who are now at the University, come back to their hometowns each weekend to help teach those trying to prepare for the ENEM, but, on the day of the test they host a “pep rally” for them, complete with speakers (the Secretary of Education for the state of Cearà spoke, as well as Manoel Andrade, the founder of PRECE, and PRECE students now at the University, and even Kacy!). PRECE University students distributed bags of good luck goodies, t-shirts and even lunch. The PRECE community wanted everyone, not just those studying through PRECE, to know that PRECE was giving them their support and hoped that they would do well on the test. There were about 150 PRECE and Cooperative Learning students from the University there, with about 700 students taking the ENEM. As one of Kacy’s English students, Maraiza, said “Happiness is in sharing.” If only everyone could share this philosophy of building each other up and supporting the success of all as PRECE does.

On another note, my visit to Fortaleza and the countryside has been such an unbelievable experience. Because I cannot help comparing (being the competitive person that I am!), here are a few thoughts about the city and surroundings:
1) Brasil, as a country, is very forward thinking in its approach to alternate energy. Cars can use either/both ethanol or gasoline. There are windmills everywhere. This is good!
2) The people here are so friendly. Hospitality in Brasil is a top priority and everywhere I have gone I feel as if I am welcomed as part of the family. I am so grateful for this.
3) The food, though different, is excellent. I have perfected the phrase “muito delicioso” to compliment the chefs. Of every new dish I have tried the only thing I don’t like is the Brasilian version of tapioca.

What is not so impressive to me (Kacy says I would get used to some of these things, but I am truly doubtful!):
1) The heat. This place makes Florida in July seem like an icebox! Most of the chairs are plastic, and I was always in a panic that when I stood up, my chair would come with me!
2) The traffic. The people of Fortaleza have perfected to an art the ability to turn 2 lanes of traffic into 4. One has to drive with one hand on the wheel and one hand on the horn! And motorcycles have their own lane- the white line down the middle of the two lanes, weaving right and left whenever traffic is not moving fast enough to suit them! And traveling in the countryside is even rougher, mainly brick roads in the town, or dirt roads in the countryside. In the countryside, as many as 3 or 4 ride on a motorcycle- usually children straddled between the adults!
3) The cold water. Luckily, I had no frogs in my shower as Kacy experienced, and really cold showers are somewhat refreshing (remember the heat I mentioned earlier?). However, in my stupid naivety, I thought only the showers would be cold- no, no, there is no hot water to be found anywhere(the sinks for washing dishes!) except in the very wealthy homes, which brings me to the last point.
4) The poverty. It seems, in my very American way of thinking and comparison, that there are only two classes- the very few wealthy and the very many who live in, according to American standards, poverty or extreme poverty. However, as Jorge, the coordinator of EPC Ombreira, said, that because of the policies that Lula (the President of Brasil), has put in place, much progress has been made for impoverished communities and there is hope for the future.

Despite the small inconveniences, I have enjoyed my stay here; have been so impressed by the PRECE movement’s approach to education and community empowerment, and most of all have loved being with Kacy and have been able to witness her happiness in following her passion.

A Pre-ENEM "Pep Rally"

Think back to the last time you had to take a test... a big test... one that would determine your future. You probably walked in to a cold room- not just the temperature but also the environment- with lines of desks and chairs. If you took the test recently each desk probably had a computer waiting for you. Gripped in your sweaty hands was nothing more than a freshly sharpened #2 pencil and your identification. The receptionist who greeted you was polite and gracious but definitely not friendly and she/he probably didn't do much to ease your anxiety over the impending test. Most likely, your heart was racing and your throat was dry. The environment of the test didn't do much to boost your confidence or set your mind at ease.

Now imagine how differently you would have felt if you had gone to a "pre-test party" designed to help ease your anxieties and show you that an entire community was supporting you. That is what happened Saturday for the students in and around the county of Pentecoste. The ENEM (university entrance exam) took place all over Brazil this weekend. The first part of the test began at 12 noon on Saturday and lasted until 5 p.m. The second part of the test began at 12 noon on Sunday and again lasted all afternoon. Knowing that the students would be anxious and would need motivation and support the PRECE students and UFC Cooperative Learning students gathered together to throw a "pre-test party".

The sight was truly inspiring. Over 150 university students were present showing their support and encouragement for the students who would take the test, and nearly 700 students taking the test arrived for the event. When the students taking the ENEM arrived they received a t-shirt and a kit with a pen, chocolate and a note with words of encouragement. Then, university students joined together with groups with 10-15 students taking the ENEM to share information about the upcoming test. They also shared information about their own experience taking the test and about university life. This was a chance for the students to ask questions, gain clarity, relax a bit and receive support from others who had gone through the testing process not long ago.

After meeting in small groups for about 30 minutes the entire group joined together and received words of encouragement from Prof. Manoel Andrade, Mauricio Holanda, the VP Secretary of Education, and other leaders. These individuals wished the students luck but also complimented the students and their parents on the great achievements they had already made. What an inspiration to have the VP Secretary of Education and other leaders arrive and show support!!!!

The gathering concluded with lunch where students were able to relax a bit knowing that they had a healthy meal before 5 hours of testing. When the students departed to take the test they left knowing that they were encouraged by hundreds of others and that as they took the test they would not be alone. Many supporters would be standing with them, supporting them and praying for them. Imagine the difference this made as the students entered their testing centers. Their sweaty palms and dry throat eased with the realization that an entire community is standing in solidarity with them. The support, encouragement and sense of community provided that morning exemplified the spirit of PRECE and that spirit is what makes all the difference.

What's the big deal about this ENEM (vestibular)?

Many American teenagers get anxious when they have to take the SAT or ACT during their last years of high school. The tests are anxiety provoking and nerve-racking! Teenagers study, bite their nails and their stress level reaches its limit. If you grew up at the same time as me you remember watching the episode of Saved by the Bell when Jesse Spano panics and screams, “There’s no time! There’s never any time! I don’t have time to study! I’ll never get in to Stanford! I’ll let everyone down!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0usTtwwTqVM I still remember my friends in college repeating these lines over and over before we had a big test.

In Brazil there is a test similar to the SAT/ACT called the ENEM (Exame Nacional do Ensino Medio) (previously the Vestibular), but in many regards it is even more difficult and stressful than the SAT/ACT. Every student who hopes to enter the public university must take the test. Students will be scored in different subjects (math, Portuguese, history, etc.) and those with the highest scores will be offered the opportunity to study at the Federal Universities. Here in Brazil, the public universities (Federal and State) are much stronger than the private universities and they are free. Therefore, here, everyone is vying for a spot at UFC (Federal University of Ceará). Those who do not score high enough will not be granted a space in the university. Some of these students will simply give up and decide that the university is not for them. Others will continue to study for another entire year until the opportunity to take the ENEM arises again next year.

So, now imagine this. You are student from a rural poor community. You are aware that the education you received in your community is not as strong as the education other students received in the bigger cities. It’s not that you didn’t study. You did. And, it’s not that your teachers didn’t do their best. They did. But, your school simply didn’t have the resources that other schools have. You also realize that neither you nor the students in the bigger cities who attended the public schools received the same quality of education as those students who attended private schools. Why? Because those schools had more money and therefore even more resources. And, now you have to take the same test as them. For you basketball fans, think about the movies “Hoosiers” and just imagine the kids from Hickory standing up against the Bears from South Bend. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diwRrudKHDU

The situation is daunting for sure. But, it isn’t impossible… thanks to PRECE. PRECE began in 1994 originally as a way for students to join together, pool their knowledge, and prepare for the ENEM (at that time, the Vestibular). Since 1994 PRECE has impacted over 2000 students, nearly 400 students have passed the exam and entered the university, 54 have already graduated and 18 have gone on to master’s and doctoral degrees. Each year PRECE grows stronger, more students are entering the university and the movement to improve public education is expanding.

This year, on November 6th, approximately 600 students from the rural areas will show up in Pentecoste to take the ENEM. To say the least, this is big day for them! They have been studying for a long time for this test and their future depends on their success that day. We are asking everyone to keep the students and their families in your thoughts and prayers on November 6th. The support you show for the students is appreciated more than you can imagine.

PRECE Presentation

Click on the link below to see the newest PRECE presentation. You can use this to share with other supporters of PRECE and to help us extend the circle of support!
http://www.slideshare.net/kacybrubaker/prece-presentation

Visionaries

In learning the Portuguese language I have learned that the ocean (a mar) is female. I couldn’t agree more. My friend says, “Of course, the ocean is a woman. Who else has that much anger?” He is a man and he has mistaken her passion and strength for anger. I have also come to believe that the ocean is not just female but a Brazilian female. The rhythm of her tides and the way she sways to an internal song has convinced me of this.

I have always loved the ocean because it is where I feel closest to the divine. There is something invigorating about standing in the sand and feeling the waves wash over my feet. The breadth of the ocean is greater than I or any human will ever truly comprehend, and the life created within the depths of the water is constantly surprising us. And, as much as we try to control her we are powerless against her force.

On Tuesday Brazilians will celebrate Our Lady of Aparecida (The Patron Saint of Brazil) which means we have a long weekend. A long weekend to some means getting away from all the work and completely unwinding. That is not the case for the PRECE and UFC Cooperative Learning leaders because for them the movement never ceases. But, luckily for me they have found a way to combine work and pleasure and we are taking a 4 day retreat to the beach where we work for 4 hours, enjoy the beach for 4 hours, work for 4 hours, enjoy the beach…

What is happening on this retreat is truly amazing. 15 years ago 7 students began studying in a small group with the goal of educating themselves and entering the university. They knew that they were intelligent, but because the public education system had failed them they were not prepared to take and pass the university entrance exam. And, without the money and resources to pay for private tutoring they took it upon themselves to create their own destiny- a better future. Along with the commitment to their own education and to the education of their study partners, they also committed to press on so that all students would be provided a better education and therefore a better future.

The journey has been an uphill struggle but not once has the movement slowed. Now over 2000 students have been impacted by PRECE (the methodology of studying in groups where students take responsibility for their own education). And, it looks like even more students will be exposed to PRECE soon. Prof. Manoel Andrade and other leaders have worked hard to develop relationships and partnerships with government officials, especially the Secretary of Education for the state of Ceará. The state department of education controls all the high schools (local governments control elementary schools). And, it is the Secretary of Education who has recently asked PRECE to formalize their methodology and develop a way to spread it across the entire state of Ceará to all communities.

This weekend leaders from PRECE as well as leaders from the Cooperative Learning program at the Federal University of Ceará are working on the process of formalizing the methodology and putting it in to presentation form so it can be shared around the state. The dedication of these individuals amazes me and their unwavering faith that they can bring about positive changes in education inspires me.

On this retreat the divine spirit is all around me. It is in the ebb and flow of the ocean tides. And, it is in the powerful testimony and cooperative nature of the PRECE and UFC Cooperative Learning leaders. In both instances, when feeling the waves wash over my feet and when sitting in a cooperative learning group brainstorming ideas, I can do nothing but stand in awe of the movement and the power which surround me.

Investments

I don’t know much about financial investments, and I am hopeless when it comes to the stock market. My granddaddy bought me stocks when I was 16 (thank you, granddaddy!). Twice (maybe 4 times- I don’t remember!) a year I receive a dividend check, and at the end of the year I get some sort of tax form that I send to my father with the rest of my tax information. That’s all I know. My sister considers me pathetic and irresponsible with my stocks. She is right. But, I do know one thing. All the experts say that when it comes to financial investments it is wise to diversify. Obviously I don’t follow that wisdom, but I know they say it.

I don’t think that the same is true when investing in non-profits and when investing in the lives of people who deeply need support. Many churches establish mission trips for their members that allow the members to experience different people, places and cultures around the world. One year they go to Mexico. The next they go to Haiti. The following they go to Kenya. The members are changed by the experiences, but they never make a real investment in the lives of the people they meet because they do not build lasting relationships.

The PRECE movement has made a true investment in the poor rural communities of Ceará and in the public education of all students. Once a school (EPC) is developed, the school continues to receive support from other EPCs. Once a student enters the university he/she continues to receive support from the wide community of students. Once a student graduates from the university he/she continues to support his/her community by bringing new knowledge and experience to the area. The PRECE movement invests in the lives of people and then supports those investments as they grow and develop.

In the same way, leaders from the PRECE movement continually speak about how important it is for friends from around the world to make a true investment in the lives of the PRECE students by visiting more than once and continuing to develop relationships. Without the foundation for the relationship (meeting each other) trust cannot be built and real investments cannot be made. A group or a person who visits once and then disappears leaves a bit of a void. But, the church or group that continues to nurture relationships and return every year builds up hope and trust.

This past weekend/week one such individual came to visit PRECE. Dan Smith began investing in the PRECE movement over 3 years ago by helping to provide computers and internet access. He has not abandoned the relationship but continues to have conversations with Andrade, visit and speak with PRECE students and explore new and creative ways to ensure the internet is working, accessible and providing a much needed resource for the students. We are thankful for people like Dan Smith and so many others who continue to invest in the lives of the PRECE students and in the PRECE movement as a whole.