Our philosophy
Having Fun is the best way to learn english
We are inspired by the University of Southern California's Professor Stephen Krashen's "Theory of Second Language Acquisition": an overfocus on grammar slows progress and demoralises language learners. Put simply, learning happens best through exposure to input that is both compelling and comprehensible.
For our standard adult lessons, we choose topics that are relevant and interesting for our students to encourage participation and discussion; including; emotional development, current events and global issues. Even for beginners, we aim to get students reading very simple texts where, with context and encouragement, they can understand at least 80% of the content. This method allows them to assimilate more vocabulary this way without over-exerting themselves and getting demoralised. Conversation-led classes are also a crucial part of the curriculum, enabling students to express themselves in English and learn conversational basics that may be applicable in their work or personal life.
Our kids range in ages from toddlers to teens, and we aim to turn their energy and interest into a constructive and encouraging activity that they enjoy and learn from. The kids meet our volunteers from around the world and form bonds with people whose paths may never cross, offering a beautiful cultural exchange.Taking away the fear of the unknown when learning a new language and meeting new people is important to our lessons and one that hopes to give the children confidence in forming future connections. We try to incorporate movement, sports, games and activities into the classroom, with a monthly baking class, and a monthly theatre day. Having fun and making the classroom as close to real life as possible is highly conducive to good language learning.
The Community Sense In our Houses
The felt sense of community in our houses is one of the most special parts of the project, and one of the main reasons so many volunteers extend their stay and come back.
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It might look like sharing meals together, going to the beach, dancing, sharing the experience of volunteering in programs, or simply watching out for one another.
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We also seem to attract many people who are interested in philosophy and literature, and in thinking about how the ideas they encounter in books can be applied to their own lives—philosophy as a form of self-development, rather than the dry, abstract form often found in universities.
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We love welcoming people from all backgrounds, traditions, and perspectives, and we value the way conversations unfold in a spirit of respect.
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Just to share a few of the things we have been thinking about in recent months:
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The 1920s trade unionist Simone Weil, who later became a Catholic mystic without losing her fervor for social justice, recognized that “attention is the purest form of love.”
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Most people broadly accept that “all you need is love.” From the Buddha, to Jesus, Muhammad, and John Lennon, many faith traditions and philosophies are built around this golden rule of loving your neighbour.
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But the question of how to love is a trickier one. Simone Weil’s very simple yet deeply profound idea was that deep, undivided presence is the highest form of generosity. In a distracted world, giving someone your full attention—without trying to fix or change them—validates their existence and fosters deep connection.
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We try to bring this into everything we do, remembering the importance of sharing presence and time.
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If you are coming to us as a volunteer from another country, you will probably find that Brazil—and particularly the favelas of Rio—are full of people who, despite the distractions of the modern world, have not lost respect for the deep power of sharing presence and attention with others. Whether we are teaching English, practising sports or arts, or consulting with a small project on their marketing and fundraising strategy, we try to remember that this shared presence is an essential part of the process—perhaps even more important than any end result we are seeking.