Staff housing that was being built last summer using a Grassroots International grant. Infrastructure like this will be lost if the Training Center is evicted.

Dear Friend,

“Faced with the tragedy that is upon us, we are calling each and everyone to help us save the Paulo Freire Training Center,” wrote our Brazilian partner the Landless Workers Movement (MST). 

Join us in protecting the Paulo Friere Training Center from eviction.

The Paulo Freire Training Center was created in 1998 when the MST’s Normandia Settlement won the title to the land. In fact, the very institution that is trying to evict the school – National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform (INCRA) – was the group that advised the Normandia Settlement to donate a portion of their land to create the Center.

Over the last 20 years, through the MST’s hard work, determination and fundraising, the Center has grown to include an auditorium, dormitories, classrooms, a telecommunication center, a youth center, a sports center, a daycare center, a kitchen, and a cafeteria. The Training Center has worked in partnership with the local and state governments and several universities in holding various training programs and course development ranging from geography to veterinary care to environmental health and more.

In fact, Grassroots International and our supporters funded many of the infrastructure projects and curriculum development. 

The Center has been a beacon and leader in agroecology training for the region and its closure would be a terrible loss for the peasant rights movement. I hope you’ll stand with us, the MST and all who have labored to build a better life for the people in Northwest Brazil.

In solidarity, Chung-Wha Hong Executive Director

P.S. The Training Center is unquestionably a valuable resource for the entire region and its closure would be a tragedy. Please join us in demanding the immediate reversal of the eviction decision now.