ETIV has recently begun offering language courses in both English and Spanish with highly qualified professors and passionate volunteers and interns.

Teaching English and Spanish to the Itacaré community is essential as tourism is the main economic driver in Itacaré. This means that students who receive English and Spanish classes will have a much greater chance of finding work in the vast tourist Industry here and will have a greater chance of receiving a higher salary as well. Meanwhile, a part of the exam that must be taken for students to be able to receive a scholarship for University here, must be taken in either English or Spanish - even though most low income students that are attending public schools here are not receiving quality lessons in either of these subjects, if any at all! We have encountered public schools with no English or Spanish Curriculum as well as some public schools that have hired "English teachers" who don't even speak the language. While wealthier families are able to send their kids to private schools that do offer quality language lessons, children from the underprivileged communities in Itacaré would not have this opportunity were it not for the free English/Spanish programs that ETIV offers. This is why we have dedicated ourselves to offering English classes in several of the poorest neighborhoods of Itacaré. Our language program goes beyond than just teaching another language; it is literally a tool of empowerment that does change lives and helps to promote social justice.

ETIV receives little to no funds to support this program, so our English Program Coordinators, volunteers, and interns provide essential contributions and help us respond to some of the most urgent needs within our community.