Community in Action: Low Cost English Classes
Basic English classes to children and adults,Complexo do Alemão, ·
·
Solution Info Hide
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Problem
The founder who is from the U.S. began with the business
planning of this project in 2004. All of the strategic planing along
with the financial planning was completed before beginning with the
project. He was working for a language school as well as volunteering
for many different NGOs in Rio de Janiero. He decided to offer English
classes for a low price because he saw that many people in the favela
communities were unable to pay for Language classes, because of the
high costs. Therefore, when COMMUNITY IN ACTION opened English class
was the first available course.
Action
Give people a basic understanding of English Grammar; Inform students about other cultures outside of Brazil; Allow people to explore the art of another language; Provide a valuable skill to find future employment; Provide an open learning space to practice language skills with peers.
Services offered by the project:
Results
Many students have begun speaking a small amount of
English. They have obtained new grammar skills and they have built
confidence to continue learning a new language. There have also been
many new students arriving at the NGO to sign up for classes. This is
by far the most exciting result. The Public Relations that has taken
place, because of the classes themselves has been extremely positive
within the community. Word of mouth is the key to marketing in this
area. If students are satisfied, this indirectly affects our target
audience, because we are able to reach more people. Limitations
We need more certified English teachers to offer
classes. When we have more teachers available we will be able to expand
our activities and reach more people in the community. It is difficult
to accommodate all of the interested students because there are not
enough language teachers to offer classes.
When to Use
What to Do
*How do students find out about the project?
They visit the NGO website, call the NGO or visit us directly.
*How do they approach us?
By sending an email, calling or visiting us directly.
*When they arrive at the project, how do we engage them?
If this person would like to take a class we show them the hours available, the material and the descriptions. If the person would like to be a volunteer we look at their experience, their availability and their specific interests.
*Is there a registration form?
Yes. There is also a form for the volunteers to fill out, focusing on their interests, objectives, activities, and needs.
*An interview?
Yes.
*How does the project work day-to-day?
When there are classes the students show up on the specific day and time. The teacher always arrives early to prepare for the class. Some days we have different activities or games relating to the subject material.
*How many days/hours does the project function during the week?
Four times a week for two hours per day
*What are the activities involved?
-Book lessons
-Grammar activities
-Group discussions
-Role Plays
-Exercises
-Games
They visit the NGO website, call the NGO or visit us directly.
*How do they approach us?
By sending an email, calling or visiting us directly.
*When they arrive at the project, how do we engage them?
If this person would like to take a class we show them the hours available, the material and the descriptions. If the person would like to be a volunteer we look at their experience, their availability and their specific interests.
*Is there a registration form?
Yes. There is also a form for the volunteers to fill out, focusing on their interests, objectives, activities, and needs.
*An interview?
Yes.
*How does the project work day-to-day?
When there are classes the students show up on the specific day and time. The teacher always arrives early to prepare for the class. Some days we have different activities or games relating to the subject material.
*How many days/hours does the project function during the week?
Four times a week for two hours per day
*What are the activities involved?
-Book lessons
-Grammar activities
-Group discussions
-Role Plays
-Exercises
-Games
Tips
Qualified Teachers;
Certified language material;
Positive learning environment;
Extra games and exercises;
Planning sheets for classes;
Student Evaluations.
Equipment
Funding:
R$5000
What/who: Individuals from the U.S.
Material donations: Language books
What/who: Fox Idiomas located in Penha, Rio de Janeiro.
User fees: 40 people R$5 per month
For: It is raised for the xerox and transportation only
What/who: Individuals from the U.S.
Material donations: Language books
What/who: Fox Idiomas located in Penha, Rio de Janeiro.
User fees: 40 people R$5 per month
For: It is raised for the xerox and transportation only
Assessment
Evaluation is conducted by:
The NGO has an evaluation for all of the teachers and students.
Related Resources
Partners within the community:
All of the students, the administrative staff and the language schools donated material.
Partners from outside the community: The volunteer teachers, individual donors in the U.S., and Catalytic Communities.
Partners from outside the community: The volunteer teachers, individual donors in the U.S., and Catalytic Communities.
