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INTRODUCTION
School and basic education are a right no-one should be without.
The Caboclo inhabitants of the Rio Jauaperí, according
to a survey done by the Associação Amazônia
and the University of Amazonas, consider it as an important means
of defending their culture and also as a fundamental element in
the successful participation in a process of sustainable development.
The Reserva Ecolôgica Xixuaú - Xiparinã belongs
to the Associação Amazônia and is situated
on the Rio Jauaperí approx. 450 kms from Manaus. Its distance
from population centres is a fact which contributes to the natural
richness of the reserve. The Xixuaú - Xiparinã reserve
is, like many other isolated zones, not reached by health and
education services. The nearest school is four hours away by
canoe ( 8 there and back). However it works only sporadically
and at this moment is without a teacher or any educational material.
The small community inside the reserve has grown and, as in all
the rest of the Jauaperí, the majority of the inhabitants
are children.
HISTORY Since the foundation of the reserve one of the Association's priorities has been to provide an education for the children who live there.
In 1996, with the help of the entire community and using only
local forest materials, Association built a Maloca (hut) which is now
being used as a school house. In a short space of time, and in
a community of illiterate people, the children aged 7 to 15 have
begun to read, write and count. In view of these results the
adults have also asked for a course in reading and writing.
EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
For the 1996/97 year 3 classes have begun:
Basic reading and writing course Introduction to reading and writing Sets, numbers and basic arithmetic (addition - subtraction) Forms and colours, plastic arts, music
Drama, Games.
The teaching method used is mixed: the "Global" method
which allows rapid and intuitive understanding by stimulating
the child's perceptive field, and the "Analytic" method.
Development of reading, writing and communications faculties. Use of a vocabulary Multiplication - division Plastic and colouring experiences, music, drama, games
Health and sex education.
For the children official recognition of their education is extremely
important and for this reason they have been registered in the
local school district where they will undergo the regular exams.
For this reason the education program will include that supplied
by the district educational authorities.
Course for adults: twice a week for 2 hours Reading, writing and sums
Health and sex education. |