Support PRECE with a donation to FINS

Support PRECE by making a donation to FINS

The Solidarity Investment Fund of PRECE, also known by its acronym FINS, is a nonprofit organization of investors constituted for receiving donations.

Objectives:

·         Develop and support of social action through the PRECE EPC programs and projects that promote the welfare of communities;

·         Create a space for exchanging experience and information between EPCs;

·         Invest in projects that meet the demands of EPCs, respecting the potential and characteristics of each community;

·         Contribute to the construction of public policies through EPC projects without using government resources;

·         Promote co-existence and human brotherhood, meaningful community action, participation and social integration among investors involved

Source of Funds

·         Investment by PRECE student leaders and 3^rd parties to FINS

·         Interest from the fund itself

·         Income from sales of promotional products provided by the fund

·         Resources from Comdica and Comdi

·         Other donations

Application of Resources

The resources of FINS will be invested in projects and programs whose purpose is to:

·         Improve the social-economic conditions of the PRECE EPCs

·         Develop projects and programs of an educational and cultural nature.

For more information in English email Kacy Brubaker at kacyleighbrubaker@gmail.com with the subject title FINS.

For more information in Portuguese or to make a donation visit http://finsdoprece.blogspot.com.br/.

"Quero Falar de Uma Coisa"- In English

This is the poem "Quero Falar de Uma Coisa" by Aurenir Luz which has been translated in to English.  The poem tells the story of PRECE.  

I want to talk about something…

Actually, I want to talk about a people, of a group who decided to no longer let their destinies pass them by and the smiles of young boys and girls be stolen.

Of a people, who despite being born in the semi-arid rural community of Ceará, never failed to care for the bud, sowing seeds of hope and love, even when the odds were stacked against them.

I want to talk about a stubborn people who met in an old abandoned flour mill in the light of lamps and the light of cooperation, in search of a new path a new time and a new story.

I want to talk about a people who decided to support others even though they didn´t even believe that the son of a farmer could be admitted to the university.

I want to talk about a people who sowed the seeds of hope, and who through solidarity, became teachers, professionals with masters and doctoral degrees.  Of a people who didn´t know the future but were certain that their lives would not be a repetition of the past. Of a people who shared knowledge, food, suffering and dreams and who faced the tedious task of studying for hours on end each night. 

I want to talk about resilience, about life stories, of sons and daughters, of mothers and fathers who had the opportunity to write, and more than this, had the capacity to change their own history.

I want to talk about a people who lived on the margins, who didn´t have access, who were excluded and a people who turned in to autonomous leaders.

I want to talk about a person, that even after having a family, dared to defy the laws of time and the generalizations of society and entered the university alongside his daughter.  Of a people who open the doors of their home, share their life and build a school.

I want to talk about an attitude, or of various attitudes, of a new culture of not being only one but a part of the whole.  Of a new people who don´t give up, who defy the rain, the dust, the mud and oblivious faces of politicians who hold the power.

I want to talk about a people who resist the weathering of time and study under a tree, in town squares, under thatched roof tents and in friends´ homes.  Of a people who take to the highways at night and wake up early to cooperate and share with those who still have much to learn.

I want to talk about a people who trade their weekends of leisure to give classes in composition, biology, chemistry, and through the classes create a social contribution of cooperative learning and mutual education.

I want to talk about a youth movement called PRECE that is now 17 years old but has the mannerism of a 30 year old who has already lived many experience, and a story that is told by each of the PRECISTAS. 

And, as stated by the inspiring music of Milton Nascimento, PRECE is and always be heart, youth and faith.

Growing Pains

Most of us think that we are supposed to "discover ourselves" in our mid 20s after we have passed through our tumultuous teenage years and our wild college days.  I, however, have learned that the discovery process never ends and is a constant ebb and flow of new revelations of self.  And, over these past 2 years living in Brasil I have learned more about myself and the world around me than I could have ever imagined.

First and foremost I have realized that I have some limits and some things which are simply unacceptable for me.  I have a threshold and our world also should have a limit to our tolerance.  In Portuguese there is a saying “certo é certo, e errado é errado”.  “Right is right, and wrong is wrong”.  It is simply wrong for a government to not provide running water for its people while the politicians themselves bask in wealth and luxury.  It is simply wrong for a man to abuse/control his wife because society accepts and perpetuates the culture of machismo.  It is simply wrong for children to be denied access to education.  These things are not acceptable and should be fought against.  At the same time, I have seen that the struggle must be done through love and respect rather than force. 

My work with PRECE has shown me that there must be a strong faith and conviction in fighting for what is right, and that the movement must bubble up from the people but be supported by those in power.  When a non-threatening approach to change takes place, and the actions are done through love amazing things can happen.

2^nd-  I have discovered that I am more materialistic than I ever thought I was.  My parents never bought my sister and I “stuff” but we always had access to what we needed.  “Stuff” was never of value in my family, but experiences, travel and education were top priorities.  But, growing up middle class I always had more “stuff” than was necessary.  Here in Brasil I have learned that there are certain comforts that I enjoy which make me more materialistic than I had imagined.  I can live without running water, but I hate it.  I can wash my laundry by hand, but I get annoyed by it and my fingers shrivel up in to grapes.  I can take the bus and moto-taxi’s all around the city and even the country, but having a car and flying are so much more comfortable.  I can take showers with cold water, but it isn’t as enjoyable as relaxing under hot steamy water.   I can use a tiny half broken cell phone, but an Iphone is much more appealing and functional.  I have learned that “living without” simply makes me “want” what I don’t have and what I don’t have access to.  I now better understand the reason why many who live in poverty day in and day out want material things more than fulfilling basic needs.  It is a way to escape the poverty for a moment and feel like a “have” not a “have-not”. 

3^rd- I have learned what the word hospitality means and that relationships are more important than issues.  I have watched in awe as Brasilians have opened their homes to me, offered me their last cup of coffee or their last piece of bread, and gone out of their way to make sure I am comfortable and happy.  Brasilians have a way of putting others before themselves (almost to the point of de-valuing themselves) and giving the best of themselves before taking care of self.  It is a lesson that all North Americans could learn. 

4^th- Here in Brasil I have learned the meaning of the word “saudades”.  This word does not have a direct translation in any other language, but it can be described as “a deep longing for something/someone that we don’t know if/when we will see again”.  I was always taught to be independent and take care of myself.  I learned through experience that opening myself up and “getting too close” could mean that I in turn got hurt.  So, I like many North Americans built a tough outer shell.  But, the Brasilians broke me of that.  They taught me that it is better to open myself to feel love, connection and solidarity even if it means one day feeling the pain of loss.  As I deal with the fact that I will be moving back to the USA in a month I am open to the idea that for the first time in my life I will experience true “saudades”.  I know for a fact that my work with PRECE and the Professional High School will never end.  I will continue to work for them and alongside their movement while in the United States.  But, there might be people that I never see again.  There are smiling faces that are engrained in my memory but that I might not again encounter for years.  I have been deeply and forever changed by the people of Brasil and I will sense a great deal of “saudades” when I do not physically walk alongside them daily.

5^th- I have been reminded that life is a journey.  On Thursday the students at EEEP Alan Pinho Tabosa Professional School sang “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus to Drs. David and Roger Johnson.  “Ain’t about how fast I get there.  Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side. It’s the climb.”  Okay, so, I might have some grammatical issues with the lyrics, but this song reminds me that what matters isn’t the final result, but the journey.  And, our journey is a lifelong process.  If we are willing to keep being molded by the world and people around us, our beautiful journey will continue forever.  And, the journey is much more fulfilling when we do it within a supportive community rather than alone.

6^th- I have learned to give up control… well, at least a bit. Anyone who knows me well knows that I like to have control, I am stubborn and I am at times simply a very difficult person to get along with.  I am typically able to disguise these lovely characteristics in professional relationships, but those whom I love the most sometimes see the ugliness and rawness in me.  Brasil has helped me soften a bit. I don’t go in to friends’ homes anymore and immediately begin “cleaning their mess”.  I don’t always demand my own way and when necessary I accept discomfort to make someone else more comfortable.  Patience is not a virtue here in Brasil, it is a necessity and I have become a bit more patient.  But, I have a long way to go.  In so many ways I can still improve, but I am on my way!

I am so thankful for what my experiences in Brasil have taught me and I am grateful for that the learning and growth will never end.

Thank you Drs. Roger and David Johnson

This past week was a busy week for all of the PRECE students, teachers and students at EEEP Alan Pinho Tabosa, university professors who work with cooperative learning and more than 600 public high school students and teachers from the state of Ceara who are studying cooperative learning.  We hosted the 2nd Annual Cooperative Learning Conference in Ceara and it was a huge success!  One of our greatest joys was welcoming Drs. David and Roger Johnson of the Cooperative Learning Center at the University of Minnesota who are leaders in the area of cooperative learning.

The conference highlighted cooperative learning sessions led by David and Roger, presentations about PRECE by Prof. Manoel Andrade and PRECE student leaders, workshops with teachers who are using cooperative learning in their classrooms, presentations of the cooperative learning groups being introduced in all schools via SEDUC (Secretary of Education), learning programs about the fundamental aspects of cooperative learning lead by university professors, an introduction to the cooperative learning school in Pentecoste, and a presentation by university students who participate in the cooperative learning scholarship program at UFC.

In talking with the participants during and after the conference it was obvious to see that everyone was not only excited to learn about cooperative learning but also to implement it in their schools.  At the end of the conference one of the school directors handed the Secretary of Education a petition signed by 50 school directors requesting that cooperative learning be implemented in every public school in the state!!

Drs. David and Roger Johnson were also extremely impressed by everyone at the conference and their enthusiasm for cooperative learning.  The energy shown by the high school students was especially exciting to them.  David pointed out that there were a few things that we use here in Ceara, such as the "Historia de Vida" activity that they want to start implementing also.  It was truly an exchange of experiences, knowledge and dreams.  And, in that exchange a great deal of learning and growth took place!

In addition to participating in the conference David and Roger visited Cipo, the community where PRECE began 18 years ago as well as EEEP Alan Pinho Tabosa.  In Cipo, the Johnsons were extremely motivated by the story of Professor Manoel Andrade, the original 7 students and the journey PRECE has taken over the years.  At the school they were able to interact with teachers and students in a question answer format.  David was particularly impressed with the students' participation and relevant questions.  We closed the session by singing a few cooperative songs in English.  Other than the fact that they had to pose for well over 500 pictures in 4 days I think that both David and Roger truly enjoyed their time in Brasil!

 All in all, it was a phenomenal week for everyone involved in cooperative learning in Ceara.  We are so grateful that the Johnsons were able to join us and help make the conference a huge success!  I, personally, am eternally grateful that I was able to spend the week not only getting to know two inspiring educators, but two truly phenomenal individuals.  I am motivated not only by their work and their research but also by their amazing personalities.  Thank you Roger and David for blessing us with your presence! We look forward to seeing you in 2013 for the 3rd Annual Cooperative Learning Conference.

My Favorite School- EEEP Pentecoste

In the United States, during the month of November, it is a common practice to start a 30 Days of Gratitude list or to start reflecting on the things for which we are thankful.  Obviously, we take enough for granted during the other 11 months so we should be able to stop, reflect, and give thanks for at least 1 month.  So, as I have started to see people’s 30 Days of Gratitude pop up on Facebook I have realized that recently I have become quite negative about my frustrations in Brasil and it is time for me to step back and offer up some prayers and praise of Thanksgiving.

After a late night meeting with the teachers and directors at the Professional High School in Pentecoste I was reminded that every day I work alongside some of the most amazing people I have ever have the privilege of knowing.  I have the great honor of walking alongside teachers and directors who believe that together they can build a better future for themselves and the students.  They walk in faith and are strengthened by the support and encouragement they receive from one another.  There have been months when they have come to work day after day without receiving a pay-check and never once did I hear them complain.  They have received piles of work and tasks on top of their regular responsibilities as teachers, and they continue to strive on.  I am continually inspired by them and thankful for the opportunity to walk alongside them.

And, if the teachers were not enough I am blessed to teach and learn from some of the most amazing students Brasil has to offer.  These students love to learn, share and help one another.  The teachers and students alike at the school have developed an emotional climate where everyone is welcome and embraced and all are part of the team.  This afternoon I was coming to lunch late because of a few projects I was working on.  As I sat down to eat, the last 2 students in the cafeteria were leaving.  As they saw me sit down they turned back around and said, “hey, you can’t eat lunch alone! We will sit with you!”.  Never, in any high school in the USA, have I seen this happen before.  

The climate at this school is truly inspiring.  Here the teachers and students walk as equals where the students have as much, if not more, say in the direction of the school.  And, the sentiment of cooperation dominates decisions and actions.  Honestly, I am so extremely lucky to work in one of the most amazing places in the world with the most incredible faculty, staff and students.

As Prof. Manoel Andrade frequently reminds us, we are “Living through grace, walking in faith and serving with love”.

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Contrast between Destitute and Hope

I remember clearly the first time I encountered someone begging for money on the street.  I was 10.  I was in Boston.  And, I was heartbroken.  I remember vividly.  He was playing the saxophone and had the longest locks I had ever seen and sparkling eyes.  He and his music were beautiful.  I remember crying to my dad to give me money to give him.  My dad reminded me that I had my own money.  The saxophone player was not the last houseless person encountered on that trip.  Next, my money went to a man playing the drums.  Then a man with a simple sign requesting help.  My dad and I both left Boston with empty pockets and heavy hearts.

Living in downtown Atlanta and working for a church that was well known and respected for its Community Ministries I became accustomed to the reality of urban homelessness and all of the painful layers that surrounded it.  And dare I say that living in Fortaleza I fear that I have almost become desensitized.  The child who begs for good still breaks my heart, but when the travesty becomes commonplace it no longer shocks the senses.

But, this last weekend as I was travelling along the Federal Interstate to the PRECE EPC in Paramoti I saw something new.  There were individuals and families sitting on the hot black asphalt under the scalding desert sun on the side of a dangerous interstate with hands outstretched.  At first I assumed they were hitch hikers which is very typical.  But, as I paid more attention I noticed that they were not dressed to travel- men in torn shirts, babies in diapers, barefoot women, children without shirts, and no bags or purses.  So, after seeing the 30^th or so person/family I asked my travelling companions what was happening.  They informed me that these individuals and families were begging for money/food and not a lift to the next city.  They come out from their homes nearby and line the road every day.  I was shocked.

1st- what type of governmental/societal system forces (or encourages) families to sit out in the hot sun on the side of a dangerous interstate and trade in their dignity for a little cash?  2^nd- where was the incentive to work and earn an honest a living instead of ask for handouts from the cars that pass by at 80 km per hour? 3^rd- how did this cycle start and what can be done to stop and prevent the despair?

When I arrived at EPC Paramoti I experienced “the other side of the coin”.  The EPC was filled with young university and high school students who were full of hope and promise.  They had determined to take control of their own destiny and pave a better future for themselves, their families, their friends and community.  They asked no one for handouts, but rather requested that others dream with them and walk alongside them to help ensure their dreams become a reality.  Their perspective of a brighter future stood in stark contrast to the despair and destitute I encountered on the drive there.  Reflecting on what I had seen that day, my prayer is not that each of those families receive simply enough change to buy the food they need for the day but rather that the baby in diapers and his sister without a shirt be shown that there is more to live for and hope for than simply survival and that they can change their own destiny and break the cycle of poverty that plagues their family and community.  And maybe, in just a few years we will see a PRECE EPC in their community.