Around and about Brasil

Before I arrived in Fortaleza I had the opportunity to visit a few places I had wanted to travel:

Brasilia, the capital of Brasil:

 

The Argentinian side of Foz de Iguaçu

 
 

 

 

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!!!

 

Congratulations!!! Celebrations throughout the last week of the semester...

Congratulations!!!  Celebrations throughout the last week of the semester...

During the last week of classes the students at EEEP Pentecoste had many things to accomplish but they also had a lot of fun!  Students were sy with English classes, completing exams, doing make-up work, submitting semester-end evaluations of the cooperative learning methodology, and practicing for the ENEM University entrance exam.  At the same time, they enjoyed academic and team building games, sports such as soccer, handball and basketball, and the São João cultural festival.  The week was truly a great way to end the semester! 

 

 

 

 

 

June 2013- Brasil Updates!

Home Coming

Anyone who has been away from “home” for a while knows the joys of coming back to it.  Though I can’t really call Pentecoste my “home”, it always feels like it!  The amazing thing about Brasilians is that they never cease to make you feel like you are the most important person in the world, the most popular visitor they have ever received or the most anticipated house guest to ever step foot through their door.  Brasilians have an amazing way of making everyone feel at home and comfortable.  This is how I have felt ever since I have returned to Fortaleza and Pentecoste.  I am so grateful for the warm welcome and the loving arms that have embraced me here and I once again feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

EEEP Pentecoste Updates

There are numerous programs happening simultaneously at the Pentecoste Professional High School and all are using the cooperative learning methodology. 

 

High School Classes

The cooperative learning methodology is gaining great popularity here in the state of Ceará and the high school students at EEEP Pentecoste are leading the way!  The students study from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  In addition to their regular academic courses each student chooses a technical area of study- Nutritional Organization, Information Technology, Fish Culture, and Academics.  Every academic area is approached through the lens of cooperative learning where the students study together, support one another and arrive at their academic and group goals together.  This year the students are trying a new technique where every class has 15 student coordinators who help guide the others through their collective and individual studies.  This technique has given the students much more responsibility and autonomy so that they are truly responsible for their own learning and development and do not depend completely on the teachers.  Though this is a new approach and at times difficult, the students are doing well thus far. 

High School Preparation Classes-

Because the spots at the Professional High School are coveted many students are participating in a high school preparation course in order to prepare themselves for high school.  Twice a week middle school students study at EEEP Pentecoste to receive extra tutoring and opportunities to study.  By doing this the students not only get a bit of academic reinforcement, but they are introduced to the cooperative learning methodology.

University Exam Preparation Classes-

Not only are spots at EEEP Pentecoste difficult to get, but a place in the Federal University (best and free) is even more difficult to earn.  Students study for years to prepare for the university entrance exam.  Here at EEEP Pentecoste university students and teachers also lead courses to help students prepare for the exam.  They share their experiences and knowledge while all the while motivating the students.

EJA (GED and Basic Education Classes)-

While some students are trying to get in to high school or the university, others are working to get their basic education and the equivalent of their GED.  Just as the university students and teachers lead others in the cooperative learning methodology a new program has been established at the school to assist those working toward their GED.  This project is a form of the EJA (Education for Youth and Adults) program which is common around all of Brasil.

Projeto E-Jovem (Computer Classes)-

In 2012 a computer class began for all youth in the county of Pentecoste.  This course teaches basic computer skills as well as basic academic skills. The first semester was completed at the end of 2012.  Right now the project is on break before beginning the second semester.  This second semester will focus on more complicated computer skills and how to work in the area of information technology.

Suffice it to say, the Pentecoste Professional High school reaches far more than the typical high school student.  The school is truly a resource for the entire community. 

Updates from PRECE and EEEP Pentecoste

I never cease to be amazed at the ability the PRECE leaders and those at EEEP Pentecoste (High School and Professional School) have to recognize the need in their communities and respond faithfully to that need.  New projects are constantly being created and implemented.  Read below to learn about some of the newest programs at EEEP Pentecoste.

EJA Project (Educational Project for Youth and Adults)

EEEP Pentecoste and the Co-op Schools of PRECE have joined in partnership with EJA (Educational Project for Youth and Adults).  The objective is to work with youth and adults who have not finished Elementary or High School and help them return to their studies in their own community.  *This program functions much like GED programs in the USA.*

Preparation Courses for High school and University

The projects “Towards High School” and “Towards the University”, began on March 4^th, earlier this year than in previous years.  Work is done as preparation for those who want to register to go to high school at EEEP Pentecoste and for those who will take the ENEM, University Entrance Exam.  We have students who are in 9^th grade (last year of middle school in Brasil) come from other schools to take extra prep courses as well as those who have already finished high school and want to go on to college.  The first two weeks of courses highlighted workshops in Cooperative Learning so that the students understand the school’s methodology.  The workshops offered were called Life Stories, Social Skills, Social Interdependence, and Forming a Study Group.

Classroom Coordinators Project

Each classroom is divided by student interest (Academics, Information Technology, Fishery and Nutritional Science) and each class has 45 students.  These 45 students take all of their classes together and work as a cohort.  This year there are 15 student coordinators in each classroom who work with groups of 3 students.  The coordinators help organize the dynamics of the classroom, initiate discussions in their groups and are responsible for group processing.  They have a bit more responsibility in the classroom and also help maintain organization in the classroom and control the noise level.

Blessed to be a Blessing

I have now been back in the USA for exactly 1 week.  I have already travelled through 8 states, been reunited with friends and family and been reminded of why I hate winter in the USA.   

I have enjoyed the savory flavors of comfort food, have laughed until I cried, have been immersed in the language I understand without thinking, and have been reminded of all the cultural intricacies that make up my story. 

I have argued with my father while remembering that I am without a doubt my father's daughter. I have snuggled with my sister. I have rolled my eyes at my mother while delighting in our similarities.  And, I have delighted in the wisdom and absurdity of my grandparents.

I have complained about the cold, rain, snow, and wind.  I have poured on multiple layers of lotion to ease my dry skin.  And, I have stopped shaving because I am lazy and want to preserve as much skin as possible.

I have come home.  With all its pros and cons.  I am exactly where I am meant to be at this time.

But, part of me is still in Brazil with the people of PRECE.  Part of me will always remain there and part of PRECE will always remain within me.

This morning, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as I was watching President Barack Obama, be sworn in to office I was overcome with a great sense of peace and at the same time pride.  But, more than anything a single thought came to my mind.  It was the thought that I awoke with every morning for the first year I lived in Brazil.  It is simple and profound.  “I am the luckiest girl in the world.”. 

I live in a nation where, despite all of our problems and grievances, the democratic process actually works.  I live in a nation where, though we argue and have corruption within the system, our government does the best it can to care for those in need as well as provide for those who have excess.  I live in a nation where, in spite of an economic crisis, we can still grow, develop and thrive.  And, those who do not see what I see and recognize how lucky we all are have never lived in a developing country.

Naturally, things were not always so organized and functional in the United States and when we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we are reminded of the struggle and the progress. 

Brazil, a younger country, in regards to political stability, is now paving the way to a bright future.  And, the social programs such as PRECE and ADEL are helping to light the way.  The young adults are stepping out in faith and working to improve their lives in regards to education, jobs, health, and community activism.  As I watch them together as one to create opportunity for not just themselves but for their entire community I am reminded of the biblical call that Myrlie Evers-Williams referenced in her inaugural invocation, “We are blessed to be a blessing”.  As the PRECE students know all so well, they have received from others and in gratitude they give back by giving to others.  The blessing is passed on and on and on.

Let me never forget, that as lucky as I might be, I too am called to be a blessing to others.