Ipatinga - Day 2 (updated with more info)

Bom Dia!

Our second day in Ipatinga was our busiest yet. Much to share:

Public School

Private School

School tours
We began the day in Ipatinga at a private K-12 school, that also had a technical school, and toured a public school later in the afternoon. There were huge differences - both in comparing the public and private schools, and comparing Brazil vs. U.S. schools. For example, the children at both schools wore uniforms and the school day schedule was either morning to lunch or lunchtime to early evening, unlike the 8 a.m. to 2:30/3:30pm schedule we're accustomed to in the U.S. The public school featured heavy security, bars on the classroom windows and was completed fenced in with walls and heavy gates. The security is intended to keep anyone dangerous out and to keep the children in. During a visit to the public school, an elementary school class was given the opportunity to ask us questions. The most interesting questions were about snow, if any of played baseball, what is school like in the U.S., and if many people in the U.S. speak Portuguese. It was quite a learning experience for the group as we were exposed to the gap in private vs. public education in Brazil, as well as the ways their system differs from ours.

City of Ipatinga
Our group received an incredibly warm welcome from the mayor of Ipatinga, Cecilia  Ferramenta. She is the first female mayor of the city (200,000-plus population) and was eager to ask questions about our community. The group felt quite special as she invited us into her private conference room for a long meeting and delicious coffee. Following a tour of Ipatinga City Hall and the meeting with the mayor, we toured a wonderful public park that featured an impressive science center and heavy use by residents of all ages.

House of Hope

The highlight of the day - and maybe the entire trip so far - was a tour of Hope House, a facility for exception adult and children. We received a warm reception from the facility's officials, then enjoyed live entertainment. During the tour, members of the group were deeply touched hearing heartbreaking stories of abandoned children, serious brain injuries and society abandoning those who need the most help. The residents received lots of smiles and hugs from the CCC&TI and Surry CC students. The CCC&TI and Surry CC students received an unforgettable experience. 

UNIPAC-Timoteo
We finished our long day at UNIPAC's Timoteo campus, where our students enjoyed an immersive Portuguese lesson. It was a great learning experience, as well as an opportunity for them to make new friends.