Courses

Foreign Language Course

AEC-TEA offers foreign language classes with volunteer teachers for a minimal monthly fee. Knowledge of a foreign language is required in order to pass the vestibular, the college entrance exam, as well as for many professional positions. Most students leave school unprepared and unable to afford private courses. Small group classes at AEC-TEA are open to children and adults, while local English teachers are invited to take advantage of private classes, planning assistance and a library of donated teaching resources in order to improve language instruction in schools.

"In English class, it's not just English we learn. It changes our opinions and perspectives." - Lucience Freitas Mota, Capim Grosso

In addition to providing access to opportunity, these courses offer exposure to other cultures and perspectives. Students develop friendships with their foreign teachers who, at the same time, serve as examples of commitment to change through voluntary service. Through this connection, AEC-TEA hopes to increase local participation in its other projects, as well as provide learning environments in which students must be active participants and critical thinkers.

"I learned English. I learned to be useful. I learned to be Valdemir." - Valdemir da Silva Nascimento, Capim Grosso

Photo-story by David

Capim Digital

In 2005, AEC-TEA established Capim Grosso's first Digital Inclusion Course and low-cost Internet center. Thanks to the continued collaboration of AEC-TEA's first international volunteer, Chris Hastings (www.alacridad.org), 2008 saw the expansion of the multimedia lab and introduction of the Digital Storytelling project, which combines photography and recorded narratives to tell a personal story using digital technology and the Internet. A number of youth participate in the project and language course students complete mini-digital stories as their final projects.

Video - Computer Lab donated by Alacridad.org

Other Courses

AEC-TEA opens its doors to volunteers who would like to organize other courses and workshops. Some examples have included: Yoga, Theater, Writing Process Group, Jewelry-Making, Math, Singing, and Chess.

"This space brings me an inner peace that I can't find anywhere else. It's the best place to reflect about your inner self." - Jailma Oliveira, Capim Grosso

Brazilian Sign Language Project

AEC-TEA brought the first Brazilian Sign Language teacher to Capim Grosso, who offered coursed in the community and trained teachers who work with deaf children. Prior to this, no special accomodations were made for hearing impaired in public schools. The final stage of this project was the selection of one public school as Capim Grosso´s first inclusive school for students with special needs.

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AECTEA Association - Free Volunteer Opportunities in Brazil