Sao Paulo (Day 3) Afro-Brazilians

Ibirapuera Park (equivelent to Central Park in New York)


Founder of Geledes and an attorney working for Geledes.

It was another fabulous day in Sao Paulo! I visited Geledes, an NGO advocating for Afro-Brazilian women’s rights, an Afro-Brazilian Museum located in Ibirapuera Park and took a 2 hour flight to the capitol city of Brazil, Brasilia. After having an extensive history lesson and discussion on racism in Brazil during the orientation session in Gainesville, the reality of the situation becoming vivid. The founder of Geledes (Geledes was actually a secret women’s organization in Africa) was very interesting and extremely passionate about her cause. This would probably be a good place to give a quick overview of Brazil’s history. Here goes 200 years in 200 words:
The Portuguese located Brazil by mistake when looking for India. They located many worthy exports, including the Brazil Wood used to make dye, and decided to claim the land. The Portuguese initially used the indigenous population in Brazil as slave labor, but soon this population began to dwindle because of disease. While the English were bringing slaves to the US, their Portuguese counterparts were bringing even more to Brazil. 4.6 million slaves were brought from West Africa, mainly Angola, to Brazil. Slaves were need in Brazil first to plant, harvest and strip sugar cane and second to mine gold and silver. Brazil had many sources of wealth, however unlike the English the Portuguese only used Brazil for its resources and returned home. They had no intentions of settling in Brazil. It was not until 1822 that Pedro I reigned in Brazil. In 1831 a regency was set up . Pedro II won the vote, but it was eventually clear that Brazil was still controlled by a monarchy. He ruled until 1889. Peter II did abolish slavery in 1880, which is a bit later than the US. The thirteenth amendment in 1865 abolished slavery in the US.
While the US and Brazil had much in common in regards to slavery, there are also many differences which have led to very different outcomes in Brazil. Brazil developed no segregation restrictions or Jim Crow Laws. The population of Portuguese consisted of few females which led to high levels of miscegenation. Presently there are many shades of people in Brazil. Because of the levels of miscegenation many people refuse to believe racism existed in Brazil for a very long time. However, it is obvious that whites are held in much higher regard. They hold all the power and position in Brazil. They are the very wealthy residents of Brazil who send their children to private schools, while the public schools, funded by the state government, house students of the lower socio-economic class who usually happen to be children with darker skin color. Race is very interesting in Brazil. There are many levels of color and one sibling may be considered white while another is considered black depending on the shade of their skin. Color is not as tied to heritage as it is in the states. It is based on the shade of your skin. Many individuals who be categorized as black in the US would be considered white in Brazil.
These poor darker skinned children seem to receive the poorest education in Brazil. It was not until the constitution of 1988 that school became obligatory. So previous to 1988 very few of these students even attended school. NGOs like Geledes are fighting for the rights of Afro-Brazilian. As long as they remain in the lower socio-economic class and receive education from poor underfunded public schools it will be difficult for this population to advance. I could continue, but will save more of this discussion for later. It is extremely interesting and complex, but important to remember that a large portion of Brazilians’ either ignore the issue or feel that no issue exists at all! They live under an unconscious veil of disbelief. Meanwhile, according to UNESCO, a black male is 75% more likely to experience violence than a white male in Brazil and this violence has caused a major age gap between the 15 and 24 year old Afro-Brazilian males in Brazil.

Sao Paulo (Day #2)

Sao Paulo Public School Classroom


Brazilian Public Special Education Teacher


The Ministry of Education in Sao Paulo, Brazil


Director of Special Education for the Ministry of Education in Sao Paulo.




Today was absolutely wonderful! During a visit to the Ministry of Education, the person who directed and implemented special education initiatives in the state of Sao Paulo spoke. It was very interesting! They are currently focusing on teacher training because there is currently a shortage of special educators (sound familiar?). In 2009 the Ministry of Education trained 17,823 teachers in various themes related to special education. Inclusion is also an area of focus across Brazil. In the southern region many public schools offer both inclusion and pull out. However, the northern and more rural areas of Brazil still have many separate public schools that house students served in special education. The Ministry of Education is also responsible for producing modified materials for students with disabilities. Much like the U.S., there are both federal and state laws that govern special education. Recent initiatives have been implemented in Brazil due to both UNESCO and the 2007 world convention for the rights of students with special needs. In regard to special education, Brazil is seeking to make social, cultural, and academic change in its public school system. The state of Sao Paulo is currently serving 52,652 students who are either diagnosed with disabilities or are identified as being intellectually advanced (gifted).
After leaving the Ministry of Education we visited a public school in a middle class area of Sao Paulo. Upon entering the school it was clear that renovations were being made throughout the building. The principal explained that the school was being renovated to meet the needs of students diagnosed with physical impairments. Steps were being removed and doorways widened. I was able to have a lengthy conversation with a special education instructor (via a translator). She was in a very small room and working with one student. She mainly served students through pull-out and she rarely had more than 3 students at a time. She worked on individual skills with each student and reviewed classroom learning student previously received in the reg ed classroom. She explained that she meets with the regular education teachers twice a week to review curriculum, plan, and discuss student needs. She said this time was required and part of the school day. To good to be true??? I must explain that students only attend school 3 hours a day. Teachers usually teach 3 groups of students a day (a morning group, an afternoon group, and an evening group). I was also able to look at student work and share information about special education in the U.S. (she was very curious about our system). Although a language barrier made it difficult to communicate, I felt an instant connection with this teacher. She must have felt the same because upon leaving she reached out to hug me.
It was a wonderful experience, however the reality of the situation soon ended the pony and rainbow feelings I was flooded with that afternoon. Let me explain… As I shared this amazing exchange with the Brazilian educator her principal as well the director of special education from the state department hung on each and every word she said. I feel there was a great deal of pressure for her to be “politically” correct and more importantly for the school to appear “politically” correct. Later I found out that this school was chosen by the Ministry of Education for us to view because of the special education program. I will be visiting several other schools and am curious to see how this one measures up!

First Day in Sao Paulo

After a short flight from Gainesville to Atlanta, a 4 hour layover and another 10 hour flight to Brazil, I made it to Sao Paulo! The weather is absolutely beautiful! It is around 80 degrees with little humidity. The atmosphere is absolutely unbelievable! The World Cup has taken Sao Paulo and, I imagine, the rest of Brazil by storm. Green and gold has taken over the landscape and Brazilian soccer jerseys are the common attire for all residents of Sao Paulo. The city completely shut down from 3:30 to 6:00 as every man, woman and child submerged themselves in the soccer game. Fireworks, shouting and celebration could be heard in every direction of the city when Brazil won, with a final score of 3 to 1. The people of Sao Paulo seem very kind, but communication has been difficult. Many of the participants I am travelling with are fluent in Spanish which has been a tremendous advantage because the language closely resembles Portuguese.
Tomorrow's agenda is very exciting! It begins with a presentation, given by the American Consulate, on Brazil and diversity in education, continues with a visit to the Secretariat of Education and a visit to a public school. It ends with dinner at a famous restaurant called Famiglia Mancini.

University of Florida

I experienced another full day at the University of Florida. It was a wonderful orientation. I was completely emerged in Brazilian culture, history, ecology, economy, education, etc. I realized today why our orientation sessions were moved from Washington DC to U of F. Other than Corey Brewer, U of F is home to some of the country’s leading experts on Brazil. An entire department is dedicated to Brazilian research and academics. Each expert presented valuable knowledge in their field. All had experienced very different aspects of Brazil. One had spent 6 months in the Amazon studying ecology. Others were Brazilian or had a Brazilian spouse. My anxieties and excitement are significantly rising! I leave tomorrow morning for Sao Paulo!

A Tough Start

I arrived in Gainesville, Florida, 2 hours late, today! I flew from Nashville to Atlanta only to taxi the runway for 45 minutes. After a mad dash from concord B to concord D I was met with utter disdain. The lady working the Delta counter shook her head in disappointment as she told me the flight to Gainesville just closed. She waited for an explanation for my tardiness in the same manner I have displayed when one of my students casually enters my classroom 2 full minutes after the bell has rang. The shower of sweat on my face and the obvious panic in my voice must not have made any impression. I immediately explained that I just arrived from Nashville. After a long sigh and few quick key strokes from behind her counter she presented me with another ticket. The next flight to Gainesville would leave in an hour. That will work! After making my way to concourse C, locating my new gate, and picking up some lunch I began anticipating my boarding call. Instead an announcement was made explaining some tires on the aircraft needed to be changed before we could leave. Another 45 minutes a few tires later I was back on a plane. Upon arriving in Gainesville I was met with a message from my husband to hail a taxi and proceed to the University of Florida. I walked into a classroom in Emerson Hall 20 minutes later, with all my luggage in hand, to meet a room full of teachers from across the country.

To Pack or Not to Pack

Approximately one day and counting… The good news, I received a full agenda yesterday and a partial packing list today. Nevertheless, I am finding packing to be an extremely difficult feat. On one hand I’ll be meeting with the Secretariat of Education, Congresswoman Raquel Teixeira, and dining with U.S Embassy officials, on the other I will be visiting Sao Gabriel da Cachoeira, located in the heart of the Amazon, relatively close to the Colombian border, home to the biggest and most important indigenous movement in Brazil. Although I am quite sure I will be more comfortable in the Amazon than meeting Brazilian politicians and US Embassy officials, let’s face it, I am a woman and packing for a month long trip anywhere is a complete nightmare! Initially I decided on a small rolling suitcase, a backpack and a shoulder bag. While my husband was taken hostage by his laughter at my plan, I realized there was no chance. I think I’ll go with the large suitcase. It looks as if a Brazilian soccer jersey might be the only item I haven’t laid out to pack which, ironically, may be the only piece of clothing appropriate in all areas of Brazil.

Mental Preparation

Although I am fully anticipating a letter from the Fulbright Commission explaining a mistake has been made, “you have not been selected to travel through Brazil for a month to learn about education” the signs directing me toward my suitcase stashed in an upstairs closet are becoming clearer. I received the required immunizations... that experience alone should have qualified me for at least a one way ticket to South America. My Visa arrived last week. What a pleasant surprise! In the last 3 weeks I have heard countless horror stories about the Visa process, one of which included Oliver Stone. I had absolutely no problem at all! I simply followed the directions given on the Brazilian Consulate’s homepage and a few weeks later I received my Visa via US postal services. Luck seems to be in the home court! I figure I will just go with it and see what happens. After all, in approximately 10 days I will begin a month long journey through seven states in Brazil. Not only will I be able to see Brazilian classrooms, meet Brazilian teachers, and learn from Brazilian experts who create federal policy, I am about to experience more beauty and culture than I can imagine. It would be an understatement to admit that I am a bit exited! However a simultaneous feeling of abandonment for the 3 children and husband I am leaving at home envelops me as well.

Background and Interest

Brazil is unique because it has made significant strides in educating groups of people who have historically been neglected. Brazil's government has adopted a system that promotes “Education for All and for Each One”. This prompts an exceptional opportunity to view how the country is including and educating students with disabilities and those who have deficits due to lack of education in the past. Primary knowledge of educational strategies and policies in Brazil is invaluable. Not only does Brazil provide a setting rich in culture and history, it also offers an environment implementing and supporting great educational initiatives. It is vital to develop awareness and appreciation of both when executing educational programs. There is a wealth of information that can be utilized in Brazil that will ultimately help special educators gain insight and understanding into countries around the world.