The event was a collaborative effort between the Consulate, Mosaico Tax, and the King’s Brazil Institute, showcasing the powerful impact that partnerships between public institutions, private organisations, and academia can have on local communities.
The ceremony took place at the Consulate and brought together representatives from all three partner organisations. Present at the event were Mr João Alfredo dos Anjos Júnior, Consul General of Brazil in London; Dr Andreza Aruska de Souza Santos, Director of the King’s Brazil Institute; Mr Álvaro, from the Consulate; and Miss Taina dos Santos Job Lima, from Mosaico Tax, who coordinates the English classes. Volunteers Dr Rodrigo Albuquerque Pereira and Mr Bruno Ferreira Chaves Cortez were also in attendance. Joining online were Ms Fernanda Rossatto Ellis, founder of Mosaico and creator of Solta a Língua, and Ms Karla Costa, a Mosaico team member and volunteer teacher.
Solta a Língua was launched nearly four years ago by Ms Fernanda Ellis as a way to help Brazilians in the UK gain greater confidence in the English language - an essential skill for those seeking to advance professionally or integrate more fully into British society. Held weekly on Tuesday evenings, the classes are delivered by a committed team of volunteer teachers. In 2023, the King’s Brazil Institute formally joined the initiative, encouraging PhD students from King’s to take part as instructors.
The value of Solta a Língua extends far beyond language classes. It offers a safe space for mutual learning, cultural exchange, and empowerment. During the ceremony, speakers emphasized the transformative role the project plays in the lives of both students and volunteers. For Brazilian expatriates, the classes serve as a lifeline to better opportunities and fuller participation in British society. For the volunteers, the project offers meaningful engagement with the community and a chance to hone their academic and teaching skills.