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. 

Até mais não significa tchau

Uma carta para todos os Precistas, estudantes da EEEP Alan Pinho Tabosa, meus amigos e minha grande família Brasileira,

Há uma palavra em português que é única e também poderosa- SAUDADES.  Eu nunca entendi nem tive experiências com saudades nos Estados Unidos.  Nossos pais nos criam para sermos independentes e fortes.  Mas, aqui, nesse momento eu já estou sentindo saudades de vocês- meus amigos, colegas, estudantes e guias.

Já está na hora de retornar aos Estados Unidos, mas eu nunca vou lhes deixar, abandonar ou esquecer.  Simplesmente, mesmo eu não morando aqui, meu coração vai ficar aqui com vocês.  Vocês me ensinaram paciência, dedicação, solidariedade, amor e perseverança.  Nós falamos bastante sobre nossas histórias de vida, e agora todos vocês fazem parte da minha história.  Para sempre, vocês vão ficar comigo.

Quando eu ouço as crianças rindo eu vou lembrar das vozes da Natalia e da Lucinda.  Quando eu vejo meninos nas ruas dançando eu vou me lembrar do Mateus, Francisco e Janderson.  Todas as vezes que eu falar sobre Aprendizagem Cooperativa eu vou lembrar do forte exemplo da turma acadêmica.  E quando eu vejo adolescentes desobedientes eu vou me lembrar do exemplo da turma de informática que sempre me mostrou respeito e maturidade.  E quando eu me sentir sozinha eu vou pensar nos dias quando Litelton, Natiane, Vitoria e Janilson e muitos outros sentaram comigo durante o almoço.

Quando eu começar um novo emprego eu vou lembrar dos professores e funcionários da EEEP Alan Pinho Tabosa.  Eu sei que eu nunca vou trabalhar com uma equipe igual a vocês.  Vocês são anjos pra mim- sempre me ajudando e apoiando.  Obrigada!

Quando eu me sentir desmotivada eu vou lembrar de todos os Precistas que pegam o ônibus às 10 e meia na sexta à noite para voltar às suas comunidades e dar aulas, compartilhar experiências e desenvolver projetos sociais.  Eu vou lembrar de como vocês nunca desistiram porque juntos vocês sempre alcançaram seus sonhos.  E eu vou falar de sua história para todos aqueles que vão me ouvir.

Quando eu quiser reclamar sobre minha vida eu vou lembrar da luta da Dona Marta e Senhora Fransquinha que representa todas as mulheres do interior do Ceará.  Eu vou lembrar do dia quando Dona Marta me ensinou como lavar minhas roupas usando minhas mãos, e como Dona Fransquinha me ensinou a fazer queijo e cozinhar no fogão a lenha.  Elas me mostraram a grande determinação e superação das mulheres e pelo exemplo das mulheres do Ceará eu vi que nosso amor é maior do que nossa luta. 

Quando eu quiser fechar as portas da minha casa e do meu coração eu vou lembrar da hospitalidade de todos os Cearenses- especialmente minhas colegas de casa- a família da Arneide, Ednaldo e Nicelly, Evilene, Aurenir, Lucia, Maraiza e Ainoan.  E os outros que guardaram uma cama ou rede pra mim- Pastor Aureo e Ruthe, Carlos e Tine, Dona Luiza, da família Andrade, da família Teixeira, Jose Alfredo e Dona Marta.

E quando eu perder minha fé eu vou pensar sobre Professor Manoel Andrade.  Eu não tenho palavras para explicar o grande impacto que o Andrade fez em minha vida.  Pelo exemplo dele, ele me mostrou como viver pela graça, caminhar pela fé, e servir por amor.  Nada que eu posso fazer ou dizer é suficiente para mostrar quanto eu te agradeço.

Durante os 2 anos eu caminhei e troquei experiências com vocês, eu aprendi muitas coisas.  Eu vou voltar aos Estados Unidos como uma pessoa diferente- uma pessoa melhor- porque todos vocês fazem parte da minha vida.  Agora eu me sinto muito mais completa porque eu conheço vocês, e conheço o movimento educacional mais lindo do mundo, a escola que cria um novo caminho e o país onde, como o Presidente Lula disse, “nossa alegria é maior do que a nossa dor, nossa força é maior do que a nossa miséria, e nossa esperança é maior do que o nosso medo."  Por isso, você pode acreditar que eu vou voltar sempre.

Amigos são pássaros

Por Aurenir Luz

Os amigos são pássaros inquietos que vão mas nem sempre voltam para perto da gente. 

Alguns servem apenas para voos mais próximos como ir conosco até a outra margem do rio, colher umas sementes e depois somem. Destes guardamos as parcas recordações do pouco que nos deixou desfrutar. 

Há outros que, mesmo ficando pouco tempo por perto, ao irem embora deixam marcas e saudades; uma vontade imensa de refazer os papos no fim de tarde ou de ouvir novamente os planos que tinha antes de sair de nossa vida.

Há ainda amigos que são pássaros fiéis que vão e voltam, que nos levam no peito e nos trazem na alma, que desejam sempre nos rever na próxima estação. Nem sempre moram perto mas sempre dão um jeito de estar próximo, de saber e enviar notícias.

Há também amigos sonhadores cujo plano de voo é sempre alcançar distâncias cada vez maiores; tenho alguns amigos assim, cuja recordação que tenho já não corresponde mais ao que são hoje, amigos que buscaram o que queriam, encontraram o que não esperavam e vivem intensamente.

Tenho amigos que deixaram cedo seus ninhos e que encontraram novas moradas mais que nunca esqueceram de onde saíram; acho estes, particularmente, especiais. 

O que mais marca uma amizade é o fato de mantê-la viva apesar da distância, das novas ocasiões de cada um, dos novos planos, das novas pessoas que conhecemos e principalmente, do modo como nos modificamos a cada dia.

Manter um bom amigo é tarefa bastante árdua nos dias de hoje: a concorrência é tanta que somos capazes de nos distrair por qualquer coisa ao invés de ter aquela conversa gostosa com um amigo, nem que seja por telefone. E quanto mais o tempo passa mais difícil fica para retomar aquela conversa, para saber um do outro.

Aos meus amigos, de perto e de longe, de ontem e de amanhã deixo simplesmente a minha alegria em ter conhecido cada um deles, em ter dividido experiências, planejado alguns trechos do caminho, ter enfim, vivido.

De todos eles guardo algo, pois sei que deixaram em mim pequenos traços de uma vida que só vale a pena por que é compartilhada.

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.