{"id":54465,"date":"2019-07-09T12:00:28","date_gmt":"2019-07-09T15:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rioonwatch.org\/?p=54465"},"modified":"2021-03-31T17:27:05","modified_gmt":"2021-03-31T20:27:05","slug":"how-do-favela-youth-access-brazils-top-universities-the-role-of-college-entrance-exam-prep-courses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/?p=54465","title":{"rendered":"How Do Favela Youth Access Brazil’s Top Universities? The Role of College Exam Prep Courses"},"content":{"rendered":"

Clique aqui para Portugu\u00eas<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe idea of universities for everyone doesn\u2019t exist\u2026 Universities should be reserved for the intellectual elite.\u201d These are the words<\/a> of Brazil’s recently dismissed Minister of Education Ricardo V\u00e9lez-Rodriguez<\/a>, spoken in January of this year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diametrically countering this notion, pr\u00e9-vestibular<\/em> college entrance exam preparatory courses\u2014offered for free or for a symbolic amount\u2014are democratic educational spaces that strive to help low-income youth get into college. As top public and private Brazilian universities increased admissions slots<\/a> in the past two decades with a new emphasis on democratizing and expanding access to higher education in the country<\/a>, favela community-based test preparation courses<\/a> began to expand to serve students attending public schools in these communities and peripheral neighborhoods across the Rio de Janeiro metro region.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Since 2003, we have seen public policies promoting educational inclusion such as the federal University for All<\/a> (ProUni) scholarship program, affirmative action laws<\/a>, the federal Student Financial Aid Fund<\/a> (FIES), and scholarships that cover living expenses<\/a>. This movement aimed to facilitate access and increase the number of low- and middle-income students in higher education. According to Brazil’s National Union of Students<\/a> (UNE), there were 1.7 million people enrolled in higher education in 1994. In 2014, this number increased to 7 million, 2.3 million<\/a> (33%) of whom were students considered low- and middle-income.<\/span><\/p>\n

In accordance with this growth, an example of community pr\u00e9-vestibular<\/em> course is the Invest Pr\u00e9-Vestibular Course<\/a>, founded in 1998 in Botafogo<\/a>, in Rio’s South Zone<\/a>, by alumni of the private Santo Ign\u00e1cio High School. These alumni noticed a need among nearby favela youth for extra support to prepare for Brazil’s college entrance exam, the v<\/em>estibular,<\/em> and eventually, its replacement\u2014the National High School Examination (ENEM). Over the years, nearly 250 graduates of the course have been admitted to universities, according to project manager Get\u00falio Fidelis.<\/span><\/p>\n

This program is one of many free pr\u00e9-vestibular<\/em> programs in Rio de Janeiro that offer high-quality instruction. Beyond just the curriculum, the encouragement and support from teachers and volunteers can make a world of difference at this stage of students\u2019 education, which can take up to a year or more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

For teacher Elis Costa, the experience has been unforgettable. \u201cI\u2019m eternally grateful and a huge admirer of these students, from whom I never ceased to learn. They say that I’m the teacher, but the truth is that I was the one learning from start to finish.\u201d Costa taught literature classes at the Redes da Mar\u00e9 Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a> course in the Complexo da Mar\u00e9<\/a> favelas, in Rio’s North Zone<\/a>. According to records, the NGO has seen more than 1,000 students<\/a> admitted to universities in Rio.<\/span><\/p>\n

The courses facilitate learning, often because they share an important feature: their non-traditional format<\/a>. With a focus on extracurricular activities, debates, and participatory classes, the courses stimulate interaction among participants. \u201cI consider it a privilege to share an approach to teaching and learning<\/a> in which the student and the teacher arrive at a point where the line between teaching and learning dissolves,\u201d Costa stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marcelle Lima, who studied at the Redes da Mar\u00e9 Pr\u00e9-Vestibular course for eight months and now has a degree in <\/span>public relations<\/span>, passed the entrance examination and received a full scholarship through the ProUni program. Years have passed, but her memories remain. \u201cIn addition to the knowledge gained from the curriculum itself, what most surprised me was the psychological support<\/a> offered there. I heard the stories of people who were able to [achieve their dreams<\/a>] regardless of where they lived, and this really motivated me,\u201d she said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the Morro dos Macacos<\/a> favela, also in Rio’s North Zone, student Priscila Cristina, 18, dedicated herself to politics and sociology classes at the Vive Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a> course. \u201cIn the beginning, I thought I was going to learn high school things, but I was wrong. I learned to see the world through new eyes and the teachers always believed in me. They would say that we belong at universities, that it\u2019s our right,\u201d she said. Priscila was accepted into the sociology program at the Fluminense Federal University<\/a> (UFF) in 2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Danielle Figueiredo, 24, spent three years at the Redes da Mar\u00e9 Pr\u00e9-Vestibular and was admitted to the National Service for Commercial Training<\/a> (SENAC), the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro<\/a> (UFRRJ), and the State University of Rio de Janeiro<\/a> (UERJ). She is now a history student at UERJ and works as a volunteer tutor at the UniFavela Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a>, a program created by college students. \u201cThe main reason I\u2019m pursuing a degree is to impact people\u2019s lives. In the end, education should always be <\/span>liberatory<\/span>,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

But upon gaining admission<\/a>, students’ struggle is not over. After less than a month in office, the new Minister of Education Abraham Weintraub announced funding cuts<\/a> to federal universities. However, in the midst of such uncertainty, free pr\u00e9-vestibular<\/em> courses continue to be an alternative for those who believe in education as an instrument of change.<\/span><\/p>\n

Check out this list of several community-based pr\u00e9-vestibular<\/em> courses in Rio:<\/b><\/h3>\n

UniFavela Community <\/a>Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a>\u00a0(Mar\u00e9 \u2013 North Zone)<\/b>
\nContact: unifavelacontato@gmail.com<\/p>\n

ANF Community Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a>\u00a0(Downtown Rio<\/a>)<\/b>
\nContact: prevestanf@anf.org.br<\/p>\n

Mar\u00e9 Center for Solidarity Studies and Action (CEASM) Pr\u00e9-Vestibular Course<\/a> (Mar\u00e9)<\/b>
\nContact: contato@ceasm.org.br<\/p>\n

AfroEducando <\/a>Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a>\u00a0(City of God<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 West Zone<\/a>)<\/b>
\n<\/a>Contact: prevest.afroeducando@gmail.com<\/p>\n

Vila Isabel Vestibulares (<\/a>VIVE)<\/a> (Morro dos Macacos \u2013 North Zone)\u00a0<\/b>
\nContact: robertogeog@gmail.com<\/p>\n

Cerro Cor\u00e1 <\/a>Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a>\u00a0(Cosme Velho<\/a> \u2013 South Zone)<\/b>
\nContact: prevestcerro@gmail.com<\/p>\n

Invest <\/a>Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a> (Botafogo \u2013 South Zone)<\/b>
\nContact: curso.invest@yahoo.com.br<\/p>\n

Community Education Project (PECEP)<\/a>\u00a0(G\u00e1vea<\/a> \u2013 South Zone)<\/b>
\nContact: contatopecep@gmail.com<\/p>\n

Redes da Mar\u00e9 Pr\u00e9-Vestibular Course<\/a> (Mar\u00e9)<\/b>
\nContact: redes@redesdamare.org.br<\/p>\n

EducaAfro <\/a>Pr\u00e9-Vestibular <\/a> (Various Locations in Rio)<\/b>
\nContact: educafrorio@educafro.org.br<\/p>\n

Gota Social Community Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a>\u00a0(Tijuca<\/a> \u2013 North Zone)<\/b>
\nContact: gota.social@ph.com.br<\/p>\n

CEDERJ Social Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a> (Downtown Rio)<\/b>
\n<\/a>Contact: vestibular@cecierj.edu.br<\/p>\n

\u00c9thos Pre-ENEM Course<\/a>\u00a0(Nova Igua\u00e7u<\/a> \u2013 Baixada Fluminense<\/a>)<\/b>
\nContact: pre-enem_ufrrj@hotmail.com<\/p>\n

Carolina de Jesus Community Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a>\u00a0(Vila Kosmos \u2013 North Zone)<\/b>
\nContact: cccarolinamariadejesus@gmail.com<\/p>\n

Vetor Course<\/a>\u00a0(Cosme Velho)<\/b>
\nContact: contato@vetorvestibular.com.br<\/p>\n

Samora Machel <\/a>Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a> (Ilha do Fund\u00e3o \u2013 North Zone)<\/b>
\nContact: presamora@gmail.com<\/p>\n

Social Action Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a>\u00a0(Cidade Universit\u00e1ria \u2013 North Zone)<\/b>
\n<\/a>Contact: pvsacao@gmail.com<\/p>\n

UFF Community Pre-College Prep<\/a>\u00a0(S\u00e3o Gon\u00e7alo<\/a> \u2013 Greater Rio)<\/b>
\nContact: prenoturno7@yahoo.com.br
\n<\/b><\/p>\n

Direct Action in Popular Education<\/a>\u00a0(Mangueira<\/a> \u2013 North Zone)<\/b>
\nContact: comunicacao.adep@gmail.com<\/p>\n

Lagoinha Community Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a> (Nova Igua\u00e7u)
\n<\/b>Contact:\u00a0<\/b>taiscogo@gmail.com<\/b><\/p>\n

Bom Pastor <\/a>Pr\u00e9-Vestibular<\/a>\u00a0(Belford Roxo<\/a> \u2013 Baixada Fluminense)<\/strong>
\nContact: pvpnides@gmail.com<\/p>\n

Community journalist\u00a0Tha\u00eds Cavalcante<\/a>\u00a0was born and raised in\u00a0Nova Holanda<\/a>, one of Mar\u00e9\u2019s favelas. While working as a community communicator in Mar\u00e9, she decided to study journalism in college and believes in the power of information to change the local reality for the better.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Clique aqui para Portugu\u00eas \u201cThe idea of universities for everyone doesn\u2019t exist\u2026 Universities should be reserved for the intellectual elite.\u201d These are the words of Brazil’s recently dismissed Minister of Education Ricardo V\u00e9lez-Rodriguez, spoken in […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":78,"featured_media":54470,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1288,1328,1271,329],"tags":[399,400,1700,67,168,1098,231,258,280,2897,397,3300,577,746,387,122,1817,1555,1019,120,520,1403,156,1350,398,259],"writer":[1482],"translator":[2902],"illustrator":[],"photographer":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-54465","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-highlight","8":"category-by-community-contributors","9":"category-favelaqualities","10":"category-solutions","11":"tag-access-to-higher-education","12":"tag-affirmative-action","13":"tag-belford-roxo","14":"tag-botafogo","15":"tag-centro","16":"tag-cerro-cora","17":"tag-city-of-god","18":"tag-community-solution","19":"tag-complexo-da-mare","20":"tag-cosme-velho","21":"tag-education","22":"tag-enem","23":"tag-inclusion","24":"tag-mangueira","25":"tag-morro-dos-macacos","26":"tag-nova-iguacu","27":"tag-psychology","28":"tag-redes-de-desenvolvimento-da-mare","29":"tag-right-to-education","30":"tag-sao-goncalo","31":"tag-solidarity","32":"tag-solution","33":"tag-south-zone","34":"tag-tijuca","35":"tag-university","36":"tag-youth","37":"writer-thais-cavalcante","38":"translator-tara-mittelberg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/78"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=54465"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54465\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/54470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=54465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=54465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=54465"},{"taxonomy":"writer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fwriter&post=54465"},{"taxonomy":"translator","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftranslator&post=54465"},{"taxonomy":"illustrator","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fillustrator&post=54465"},{"taxonomy":"photographer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fphotographer&post=54465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}