High demand leads Fundação ParáPaz to expand English course aimed at COP30
Free training focused on practical communication to welcome visitors during the international event attracted over 360 young people in one week
The first classes of the English course promoted by Fundação ParáPaz at the João Paulo II Unit in Belém, aimed at participation in major international events such as the 30th UN Conference on Climate Change (COP30), have already started with record demand: in just one week, over 360 young people aged 15 to 30 enrolled, exceeding expectations. The high demand led the Foundation to open two new classes, which also filled all available spots.
“The turnout was surprising and shows how interested the community is in preparing for COP30, reinforcing the importance of the initiative and the commitment to provide access and preparation for everyone,” celebrates the coordinator of the João Paulo II unit, Denise Braga. The classes of the first group will take place until September 30. The other two will be taught in the same format, from September 22 to October 31, to ensure that students are ready before the climate conference.
The course methodology is practical and dynamic, focusing on real-life situations such as customer service, urban mobility, shopping, and currency exchange. The goal is to provide, in a short time, a solid foundation for participants to communicate with foreign visitors during COP30.
English teacher Gisele Ramalho, with over 23 years of experience, explains that the course was designed as a quick preparation for real situations. “In about a month, we managed to work on personal introductions, customer service, currency exchange concepts, mobility, and sales simulations. The idea is to combine various topics simply, with material entirely in English, but always associated with translation, so that students understand and start thinking in the language,” she states.
She mentions that every class includes immediate practical activities, such as ready dialogues and everyday simulations, which facilitate memorization. “I taught, for example, how to say an address in English, and then they practiced with each other using their own addresses. The proposal is for the student to practice, memorize, and feel confident using the language in real situations,” adds Gisele.
For many participants, this is the first opportunity to access free and targeted training. Rebeca Ferreira, 20, already had some basic knowledge of English acquired in school, but had never participated in a course like this. “I think it’s very good because it opens doors for those who don’t have income, since these courses are usually expensive. Moreover, it will help me at COP and also in my personal plans,” she celebrates.
Student Beatriz Cardoso, 24, emphasizes that the learning goes beyond the conference. “Having at least the basics is fundamental, and here we go further, with rules and real situations that I can use in my daily life,” she says.
