3 Sept 2009

Dear Xtalk,

My name is D and I am an ESL teacher in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.  I work with many students, some of whom are sex workers in Rio’s “thermas” or bathhouses.  I have been asked to teach an English course at one the gay bathhouses in Gloria.

While I have some general English material already prepared, I was hoping that Xtalk would have some specialized ESL material that could be shared.  Any information you could make available would be very much appreciated.

I am endeavouring to work with some local NGOs to provide ESL literacy and language resources to these students, but in the meanwhile, if you have resources to share, I would appreciate knowing of them.

Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.

Collegially,
D
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

29 Sept 2009

Dear XTalk

Thank you very much for your email reply.  I would be thrilled to receive any material/lesson plans you might have to share that could help me with  my work in Rio’s gay bathhouses.  As you may be aware, Rio is a candidate city to host the 2016 Olympic Games.  The IOC will announce their decision in about two weeks.

If Rio gets the games, there will be ENORMOUS pressure on Rio’s sex workers to communicate in English and, as an advocate, I want to make certain that they can negotiate safely in a way that optimizes their personal safety.  Any resources that you can provide that can enhance that mission will be GREATLY appreciated.

Yes, I would be very interested in lending whatever resources I can in collaboration with Xtalk and the fine work it has been doing.  Please let me know how I can serve.

Thanks again.

In Solidarity,
D
Rio

17 Oct 2009

Dear XTalk

I wanted to let you know that the material you shared with me has been WONDERFUL!  I have adapted some of the dialogs so they are appropriate for the boys who work here in Rio.

Because of your generosity, I now have a regular class of about 4 or 5 guys who meet twice a week.  They are making fine progress.  They tell me that they feel better now that they can negotiate with some English and at least two of my students told me they use English to “play safe”.  I am thrilled.

Thank you again for your kindness.  If you have any more dialogs or material, I would be happy to receive it.  I am going to try to get some pictures in the class so I can send you, but first I have to obtain permission.

Thanks again.

Beijos,
D
Rio de Janeiro