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.
