From the Amazon River to the Thames River, a group of Brazilian teachers made the 7,000 km trek to London, Ont., to soak in knowledge about Canada’s education system.
“In Canada we are learning another way to see people around us, and that’s a great thing so far,” said Debora Menezes, an elementary special education teacher from Brasília, Brazil.
Just a few weeks since arriving in London, visiting libraries, museums, markets and festivals in London, she’s noticed how community-oriented things are here, she said.
“These differences here are going to improve the way we are helping children to see the world in the future. So it’s a great experience.”
On Tuesday the teachers gathered at the London Public Library’s Central branch to learn from community partners as part of their training.
The 47 teachers are here part of the Brazilian Basic Education Teachers program, an eight-week training at Fanshawe College in partnership with Colleges and Institutes Canada and the Brazilian government. About 100 teachers have come to Ontario for the program, half going to Niagara College.
The teachers are learning about Canada’s education system and the network of organizations that assist teachers, schools and students into creating inclusive learning environments, said Marilia Brasil, the program coordinator at Fanshawe College.
“Hopefully [they] take great ideas back home to enhance the education system there,” she said. Originally from Brazil, the program has a special place in Brasil’s heart, whose has worked at Fanshawe for seven years.
For some, it’s their first time leaving Brazil, she said. Some are teachers working with youth in prisons, others are taking boats to teach children along the Amazon River, while others are working in community and special education centers — all from different regions across the South American country.
“It can benefit friends, family and many, many children who wouldn’t have opportunities,” Brasil said, allowing teachers to learn more about things happening around the world.
For Daniel Brisolara, a high school philosophy teacher from Ceará, Brazil, it’s a “dream come true” to be here.
Studying English, visiting schools, learning about education and Canadian culture has been an “amazing opportunity,” he said. He’s also working on a project to create a debate group in his city, and will learn ways to improve it as part of the training.
His time in London has already left an impression. “It’s a wonderful city,” he said. “People here are very kind…I like this community spirit.”
Brisolara still has a lot on his bucket list — from going to more museums and a basketball game to attending English conversation circles.
Sandra Lee, a Portuguese teacher from Bahia, Brazil, said she’s here to learn more about improving reading skills and learn more about the education system in Canada. People have helped her learn so much here, she said.
“I’m here for professional development, and I’m so happy to be here,” she said.
Connecting across a global perspective
This is the second time the program has run since launching in 2019, said Candace Miller, Fanshawe College’s executive director of business development and strategic support.
“We’re very excited to welcome back our Brazilian friends and teachers,” Miller said.
It gives an opportunity to share cultural differences and similarities between Canada and Brazil — and an opportunity to connect with one another in a global perspective, he said.
The program includes two weeks of English as a Second Language training, and two weeks of experiential learning visiting different sites, along with field trips to elementary and high schools and teacher training.
“They’ll be able to talk to public school teachers from here and in London to learn about techniques and things that happen in the school,” said Brasil. They’re also visiting schools, day cares, museums and libraries.
The group is in London until the end of July, she said.
“They’re really enjoying the experience. If you see them around, please welcome them and tell them how our community is strong and supportive,” Brasil said.