English For All - Gratuitous English in the NGO

A MESSAGE FROM US:

And what does it mean to be a Volunteacher? It means being kind, having a loving heart and fond feelings towards fellow human beings as only LOVE can make a person share and give away his knowledge. It means being responsible for the socioeconomic situation that surrounds us and not only lay the blame on the government and its bodies for the exclusion of most of the Brazilian citizens. It means being sensitive and compassionate.

And is it easy? NO. It means responsibility, commitment and lots of will power. There are days when we really just want to receive more than to donate. There are days when we feel pressed by the daily rush and commitments. Our interests do prevail!

But it is IMMENSELY rewarding for who does not like to love and be loved? Who does not like to feel that one is truly helpful in fostering a person into being a more wholly and dignified citizen? Who does not like to feel that one can make a difference?.

Be a Volunteacher; become a Volunteacher! There are hundreds of adolescents to whom you can make a difference! If you believe it, it must be true!

A warm embrace to all,
Teli Penteado Cardoso
Director President

THE CURRENT SITUATION

We have started the second semester of 2011 teaching English to roughly 780 students located in 18 partner ONGS counting on the work of 44 volunteachers, 6 facilitators and a pedagogic team of 5 trainers.  To all…a wonderful semester!

PRE-SERVICE TRAINING

To restate the expectations of our new Volunteachers towards the targeted audience, we will hold the Pre-service Training in SEPTEMBER and right after the expectant volunteacher will have to observe 2 to 3 classes before the beginning of his/her work in February of 2012.

THE GUARDIAN ANGELS

The facilitator volunteers now total 6! These ‘angels’ weave connections among EFALL, partner NGOs and Volunteachers. To them we say THANKS and WELCOME!

THE CORPORATE VOLUNTEER

Following on the program of Corporate Volunteers, we have bonded, to our great joy, with PROMON Engineering. We will have, in this semester, Volunteachers, employees of said company, ministering English classes in the program ‘Menor Aprendiz’ that takes place in the offices of PROMON and also in the CCA Santa Teresa, a NGO located in Vila Olímpia, a neighborhood in São Paulo. These Volunteachers’ enthusiasm does not cease to amaze us and their students who come more motivated to learn. Below you can find some thoughts from teachers and students which illustrate this sharing moment:

Students:
“I think this initiative is very important and I could notice lots of Love and dedication from the organizers because it is a volunteer work. The people who take part in this volunteer work are amazing, caring and like to teach; I feel that they do it out of Love. I myself love to come to classes because English has always been very difficult for me, but with these Teachers, I’m learning in a much simpler way. I’m more interested in learning, I do research, listen to songs ad watch movies in English to aid my learning and I have started doing it all due to the dedication and the didactics of Anne and Fábio. I can only thank the organizers for this honorable initiative as I’m certain that I will have more opportunities due to this.’ (Bárbara Castro – student at CCA Projeto Jovem Aprendiz PROMON)

Teachers:
‘The work has been wonderful! ‘My days begin with more disposition, love and stamina! I guess that being a volunteer is exchanging; it is teaching and learning. We donate some of our time and knowledge and get smiles and affection!! They learn a new language and we learn how to be citizens! Today I got a hug at the end of a class! I have no words to say how good it is to be a volunteer…you just have to become one to get it!’
(Barbara Seixas / Volunteacher –Processes Engineering - PROMON)

‘Our first class was just awesome! We were anxious about the outcome when those curious little eyes come peering at everything around them – they were at PROMON full of curiosity and expectations! The class was super fun, it went by so quickly and the same wish lingered, both on teachers and students: this class should happen everyday! This first day of class gave us all the enthusiasm and energy to long for a great semester of volunteer work helping students learn English and develop themselves.
(Luiza Moraes / Volunteacher – Proposals - PROMON)

“The classes are really cool. The students are motivated as the dynamics steer away from the standard learning model what stimulated them further. English opens up a new world to them and this brings on many questions and curiosity. But what makes it really worth it is the mutual learning: as they learn English, we learn citizenship.’
(Márcio Fleury Ribeiro / Volunteacher – Offer, Collaboration and Imaging - PROMON)

“I am very happy with the results of our work at the institute. Conductor Ventureli has been with me almost all classes and this fact, besides making me feel honored, makes me more secure to deal with the students. Classes happen with door open so that guests and reporters can enjoy them. I missed one class, but they were told about it in advance in order not to disappoint the pupils. I feel really comfortable among people of Baccarelli Institute as well as Heliópolis community. I know they care for me and this makes me feel very happy too. I know it is a small contribution taking into consideration all the social problems Brazil is facing, but if each of us does a little, we will get there! So, let us all fight for Brazil's social- cultural growth. A big kiss in all hearts, God bless you all and thank you so much.’
(Maria José / Volunteacher - Instituto Baccarelli)

THE TRAINNERS

"There are 5 volunteer- trainers who are highly qualified and experienced EFL teachers . They donate their knowledge,time and talent to prepare volunteachers in pre and in- service meetings. They are also responsible for developing the courses."

Women Who Make a Difference

Wommen who make a difference: Claudia magazine, April, 2008.
Read and get to know a little bit more about the story of EFALL and of its Director President Teli Penteado Cardoso.