International Education Center of Excellence

Pantanal School Project in Brazil

In southwestern Brazil, deep within the Necholandia Region of the southern is the EMBRAPA Pantanal Fazenda Nhumirim. Children of fazenda workers attend school in a small one-room schoolhouse with only bare furnishings and supplies. Of great need in the school and on the fazenda is a technology center.

This unique service learning project, to be held in 2007-2008, involves computer engineering and networking training of youth from the United States, then providing the skilled team with a unique international education experience. The trained team will travel to the EMBRAPA Pantanal Fazenda Nhumirim to develop a technology center and library for the fazenda inhabitants.

Training provided for the US youth prior departure to Brazil includes:

Fifty-hour course in computer engineering to teach the basics of computer hardware, structure, and configuration
Fifty-hour course in networking
Twenty-hour pre-trip orientation including the logistics of international travel, introduction to the Brazilian Pantanal (i.e. geography, geology, flora and fauna, Pantaneiro culture and customs, ), the Portuguese language, travel health and well-being, group dynamics and communication, and observational research.

The three-week experience in Brazil will include:

Two-week service learning project during which the team will set up the technology lab and library and train local inhabitants basic management of the lab. Interspersed within the two weeks will be excursions to nearby fazendas such as Baia Bonito, horseback riding with the pantaneiros, the local cowboys, and wildlife spotting.
One-week tour of the Brazilian Amazon, entering at Manaus and exploring the beautiful Rio Mamori and Rio Negro.

University credit will be available for all training courses.

Funding is needed to provide financial support for this project, including

Shipment of computers to Brazil
Providing air fare for youth participants
General project expenses
Tuition for university credit

Contact the Center if you are interested in participating or providing financial support for this project.

Photos of the Pantanal School Project

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