Learning English requires focus. Students need to discover the most effective methods for their progress - whether it's translating songs, watching TV series, reading or playing video games. Pleasure ends up being a facilitating factor in language development.
The student Liliane Pereira invested in an exchange program at Australia. In love with Jiu JitsuThe Andreense native found a great opportunity in martial arts: doing voluntary work. "I started teaching the basics of the sport to refugee women in Australia," she says. "Many of them have low esteem (they're between 13 and 18 years old) and suffer bullying because they were forced to move here," she adds.
The opportunity arose when My Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Team (the academy where Liliane works) started working in the Auburn community in Sydney. After a while, the center's management asked if any instructors could teach Muslim girls. "My boss offered me the opportunity and said it would be good for me to unlock myself to teach future classes," she says. "I thought: it's going to be a challenge, but I'm going to embrace it and improve my English too," she adds.
The first step was to teach the girls self-defense. Those who were interested in the dynamics were invited to take part in Jiu Jitsu classes. To contribute to the underprivileged community, My BJJ offered seminars on Brazilian grappling. "The entrance fee was a kimono, which is now given to students who attend classes regularly," she says.
Liliane's presence at the center was warmly received: "The mother of one of the students, who is Greek, started teaching me English," she explains. "She also often offers me a lift," says the fighter. Classes have also played a fundamental role in the student's development. "I got as far as the basics and, by pushing myself to give lessons, I learned a lot," she explains.
According to her, the routine has helped her to converse more naturally. "The students help me with my vocabulary and, unlike at school, our subjects aren't so robotic, so I feel more confident," she says. For her, the love of sport was fundamental to the process. "When you love something, it's easier to pass it on," she says. "My passion made me dedicate myself more and made it easier to absorb," she adds.
Now, Liliane is already reaping the first rewards of her volunteer work. "We had a championship at the academy and one of my students won, which was gratifying," she laughs. For her, the reward goes beyond language development. "I felt empty in Brazil, even though I had a great job," she says. "I found fulfillment here, teaching, and that's what motivates me every day," she adds.
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