By William Jones, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – As Brazil and Rio prepares to host some of the world’s biggest sporting events the state’s police are preparing for the influx of visitors by providing the city’s military police (PMs) with English language classes. The new programme aims to develop the skills of comprehension and oral production of PMs who work intensively on big events like the World Cup and the Olympics.
In the initial stages of the course which begin next week the initiative is expected to give classes to 120 officers, but the number will reach double or even triple that by the time that the second phase of the program has begun according to Director General of Education of the Military Police, Colonel Antonio Carlos Carballo Blanco.
On Wednesday at the Military Police’s Headquarters, Colonel Valdir Soares Filho, chief of staff of the General Command, explained that the course is just one of a number of investments made by the state government to incorporate more and more professionals into their organization.
“This is an opportunity that will add key personal knowledge to our force and will also be important for our professional appearance. The Military Police is involved in training and actions to host great events and our officers will be required to have a mastery of a second language because communication is essential to meet the population,” he said.
The new students will learn everyday expressions while exercises and questions and answers will be passed by the teachers of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio de Janeiro. “A course for those who have little knowledge of English and will focus on oral skills, this means that they will be constantly exposed to language. There will be three hours per week, and the course should last about six months. To provide an ongoing education teaching book and CD will be provided,” said Elza Mello, a teacher from IFRJ.
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