It’s not about skill gap

This is not about closing a skill gap.

This is about creating a skill advantage.

Only 5% of Brazilians declare themselves able to speak English. So, in other words, 95% of Brazilians declare themselves unable to speak English. That means 95% of all Brazilians regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation and other relevant marks of social inequality.

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The lack of the ability to communicate in English is actually not a mark of social exclusion in Brazil, rather a mark of being an ordinary Brazilian. Just as much as our worldwide-known ability to be friendly and warm to everybody. And there is nothing wrong per definition with being ordinary. If you know a Brazilian who doesn’t feel confident speaking in English, that particular person is not the problem. Or if you’re a Brazilian who doesn’t feel confident speaking in English, you are not the problem either. The problem is the system.

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Most commonly Brazilians have to learn English while having little chance to interact with foreigners in real life. And no matter what you learn, without practice it is harder to access how much you have progressed. In that scenario Brazilians are often encouraged to take classes indefinitely or go on expensive travels, for lack of other viable options to practice, with the disadvantage of always playing it safe with a teacher and not believing in their own progress.

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Why not create ways for more Brazilians to experience working with foreigners employed by global companies, communicating in English? Starting with Brazilians who live in disadvantaged neighborhoods will enable expansion of personal networks and relationships for both beneficiary and volunteers beyond borders, fostering trust and life opportunities.

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Being able to work in English puts Brazilians ahead of competition at the job market. PersonalGringo is here to take them there! =)

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