The Tocantins English Project is a capacity-building project for state-school English teachers in the Northern state of Tocantins, Brazil. It is financed by the Federal Government fund called MEC/SEMTEC, which deals with improvements in secondary education in Brazil’s poorer states. The State Government of Tocantins has invited the British Council to administer the two-year project.

In 2003, 225 teachers took part in the Project and a further 150 joined in 2004. The project in its current form comes to an end in December 2004.

Feedback has been very positive. At the recent immersion training at Lagoa da Confusão in Tocantins state a total of 350 teachers came together to practice their English, listen to plenary lectures and take part in workshops. By the end there was a good deal of English being spoken and with a lot more confidence than at the opening.

"What I learn here I pass on to my students" said one participant.
There was a great sense of belonging in the group - "This immersion brings us together and makes us more united" said another.
"It's a great opportunity for us" was another comment and "I feel more confident" was also expressed.

Following is the testimonial of Dr. David Shepherd, an experienced professional of the sector.

“It was my pleasure and privilege to participate in the Tocantins Project as a teacher in early June, 2004, when I taught a 15-hour module on Reading at the Colégio Estadual de Palmas.

I have rarely met such a highly motivated group of teachers, from so many different towns, travelling such long distances, with such a wide range of EFL proficiency. The setting is far from an easy one, reflecting the reality of the Brazilian public sector, and yet the momentum has been sustained, thanks no doubt to the dedicated efforts of Sara Walker and her superb Palmas  British Council staff.”

Tutors on the programme were both local and form further afield. 12 tutors from the five centres in Tocantins gave a series of workshops to small groups. These tutors meet their teachers every weekend for local sessions sharing ideas, speaking in English and doing workshops. Other tutors came from Sao Paulo, Rio, Curitiba and Brasilia to give plenaries and create the English speaking environment. The event was a great success and will make a big difference to the learning taking place in schools across Tocantins.