Language is a key factor of inclusion – it allows us to understand the subject that is taught in school, seek employment, communicate with colleagues, create bonds in the community and develop a sense of belonging and autonomy.
But often, learning a new language in a new country is as important as it is difficult.
Upon arrival in Portugal, these young people enter the school system and study the language in the discipline of Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PLNM). This discipline begins at level A1 and expects familiarity with the Latin alphabet and sounds. For young people who have never been to school or who do not know Latin languages, this is not a starting level.
So we created the Portuguese A0. It is a program of literacy and sociocultural introduction for students of the 14-18 years old, newly arrived in Portugal and without school backgroud or without prior knowledge of a Latin language.
We want to work in the period between their arrival in Portugal and entering the school system, which can range from a few weeks to a few months, in order to empower these young people with the basis for effective learning in the discipline of Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PLNM).
We work with small classes (5 to 10 students), which allows a more personalized work, development of close relationships and creation of a support network for students.
Portuguese A0 is a 3 month course with a total of 90h of language classes and socio-cultural experiences.
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