Through my time in Brazil, I had the opportunity to visit several of the distinct types of schools in Brazil. A special one being EJA schools, locally referred to as “adult school.” This school system aims at providing adults an opportunity to learn an elementary curriculum through a 3 yr program. With a focus on building literacy, these EJA schools empower their students to achieve autonomy through reading and writing. Through a reflective lens, it puts into question who has the ability to learn in a classroom.
Typical schooling in Calgary imitates a 9–5 pm work schedule, Monday to Friday. A system that reflects societal norms of a full-time job and nuclear family dynamics. But as E.J.A. has illustrated, many people don’t live a 9–5 life, jeopardizing their ability to go to school. Many of the students discussed how they were the ones working a 9–5 to support their families, or had to stay home to care for younger siblings. Regardless, their reality of receiving an education made them excluded by society, and dependent on those who have one. The hurdles of life not only affect those in Brazil, but also in Canada.
My schooling blinded me from this reality in Canada. But with funding for education actively being taken away, the accessibility to education needs to be looked at while preserving the human right of education.
“EJA gave me my confidence back and the joy to live.” — Jose
“I returned to my studies at 57 years old, and I am still learning. It is never too late to start again.” — Hilda
David Moyano- Brazil 2026