The Michaelis Dictionary as a fundamental tool for bilingual education

Global Thinking initiative will help young people write their stories

(Rodson in his work with the Orion Astronomy Center)

Biologist with an extension in astrophysics, journalist, and writer. Rodson Morais, professor and one of the administrators the Orion Astronomy Center in Brazil, has been in love with the world of science ever since he was 16 years old. "When I was a teenager, the vast majority of my friends wanted to have a band while I wanted to have a laboratory," he said.

At 43 years of age, Rodson remembers his trajectory, from academic to professional life, and discusses the importance that English had in his career. "A Michaelis dictionary was one of the books that could not be missing on any of our trips," said the pedagogue, who added that, at a time when there was no internet in Brazil, the dictionary was a major helper for research work. “English opened several doors for me and made it possible for me to do a much wider range of jobs,” he affirmed.

Through its activities, the Michaelis Foundation seeks to be part of the story of people like Rodson who, with determination and focus, go after their dreams. “It is testimonies like this (Rodson´s) that make us sure that we are following the right path. We always have in mind the purpose of, through bilingual education, opening new horizons and reducing the frontiers for knowledge”, revealed the founder of the Michaelis Foundation, Jefferson Michaelis. Motivated, Rodson's future goal is “to take a good course to recycle my knowledge of the language and reach proficiency in English”.

To further encourage bilingual learning, in 2021 the Michaelis Foundation, with support from Editora Melhoramentos, started the Global Thinking project. The initiative provides bilingual activities and the distribution of Michaelis educational dictionaries to schools, communities, and partner entities. In Brazil, in collaboration with regional partners such as the ORION Astronomy club of Minas Gerais (@orionclubedeastronomia), activities are planned in 10 Brazilian cities.

If your story is similar to Rodson´s, share it with us: http://www.MichaelisFoundation.org/contact
 
- Luma Keily