28 April is World Education Day. On this occasion, the WFP Centre of Excellence against Hunger in Brazil shares the story of teacher Jeferson Lopes Ribeiro, from the quilombola school in the village of Algodoeiro (MG), who is doing transformative work with his eight students and his community.
One of his projects was the creation of a school garden. “It was by selling the produce from the garden that we were able to fulfil a dream of the children’s: to go on a day trip to see the zoo and shopping centre in Belo Horizonte, eight hours away by bus,” she said with a broad smile.
Born in the city of Diamantina (MG), teacher Jeferson tells us more about his school in this interview, which took place in Brasilia on the occasion of the National Meeting of the National School Feeding Programme 2025.
What is your background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Human Sciences, a degree in Pedagogy and a postgraduate qualification in Special Education. As we don’t have a support teacher, I had to specialize to help a disabled student learn.
And what was it like arriving at a quilombola school in the interior of Minas Gerais?
It was a challenge. I didn’t know the place, so I went with all my might. When I got there, five years ago, I discovered that the community didn’t have electricity. The structure of the school wasn’t very good at the time.
And what has changed in the last five years?
We mobilized together with the community for our rights. We managed to get electricity, internet and to refurbish the school.
How many people work at this school?
I work at this school, along with our lunch servant, Washington. Our community is 40 kilometers from Mata dos Crioulos, but access is very difficult because it’s a quilombo.
Does the community take part in school activities?
A lot! We created a large vegetable garden with the support of the families, and that’s where we also teach subjects like Portuguese, maths and science.
Does the garden also generate income?
Yes, we sell what’s left over and that helps the families. We also use the produce to feed the children.
What do you grow?
Spring onions, cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, pumpkin… and when there’s a surplus, we put together kits and send them to the children’s homes.
What’s the school menu like?
The menu is made by nutritionists from the Municipal Department. We always try to maintain a healthy diet, cutting out sugar, sweets and processed foods.
What is usually served?
Rice, black beans, salad, meat, fruit, milk and bread. All done with great care.
What age groups do you cater for?
There are eight pupils aged between 4 and 11. They are all together in a multi-grade class.
What are the challenges of teaching such a diverse class?
The biggest challenge is dealing with the different ages without burning up the children’s developmental stages.
How would you rate your experience at the school?
I rate it 11! It’s very enjoyable. It’s not for the money, but for the love of education.
Can you give an example of the impact of the garden?
Yes, the children have raised more than R$5,000 through the garden and have been able to realise their dream of visiting Belo Horizonte.
And what are the plans for the future?
The dream now is to visit the beach. We’re going to start planning and trying partnerships with co-operatives.
What did you learn at the PNAE National Meeting?
I learnt a lot! Above all, that we should know and demand our rights and seek sustainable development through partnerships.
Read about the Algodoeiro Municipal School’s participation in the 2023 Food and Nutrition Education Day (page 36, available only in Portuguese)