Council on Latin American and Iberian Studies

The General Consulate of Brazil in Hartford, the Council on Latin American & Iberian Studies and the Portuguese Department at Yale University, and the Educationist Movement Foundation collaborated on a workshop on June 7 for 50 Brazilian teachers of Portuguese as a heritage language. The workshop was held at Henry R. Luce Hall at Yale, and was coordinated by a team consisting of Sonia Reis da Costa, Vice-Consul, Marta Almeida, Portuguese Lector at Yale, and Carla Silva-Muhammad, who recently completed her MA in Latin American Studies at U-Conn, and who has also taught Portuguese at Yale.

“This training allows for the development of bilingual skills and intercultural experiences that contribute toward the construction of a solid bridge between our people and our culture, as we highlight the importance of flexibility and mutual understanding for the new generation,” said Cezar Amaral, Consul General of Brazil in Hartford . “The concept of multiculturalism goes hand in hand with learning mutual respect and fostering diplomatic relations, both so vital toward the construction of a peaceful world.”

Since 2009, the Educationist Movement Foundation/USA has been developing training for and providing orientation to professionals on education, in order to work with the community on the study of the Portuguese language and the Brazilian culture. Groups were created in different states across the country, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and California.

The next workshop will take place on October 11 at Yale University. For details, please contact Jean Silk, CLAIS Program Manager, at jean.silk@yale.edu.