OUR INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE AT CURITYBA, BRAZIL, SOUTH AMERICA.
It will certainly interest the REVIEW family to learn something of our educational interests in Brazil, as represented in the Collegio International, Curityba, Brazil. The photograph from which the accompanying picture was made, was sent by the head teacher of the school, Brother Paul Krämer, who has also furnished a short description of the origin and development of the school. He writes:—
The Lord has provided a commodious house of modern construction. The lower apartments serve as schoolroom, and we use the second floor as dwelling apartments. The attendance at our school is about one hundred and thirty. The pupils are divided into three classes. We have excellent educational materials at our command, perhaps better and more complete than has any public school in Brazil. My wife conducts the lower class, and is assisted in her work by our son, who is nearly nineteen years of age. Brother Waldemar Ehlers is the teacher of the middle class, while the teaching of the highest class devolves mostly upon me.
When Brother H. F. Graf opened the school, in June, 1896, it had but eight students. Soon the number increased to forty-four; and by April 1, 1897, the attendance had increased to seventy. A false brother, who was working at the school, caused a severe crisis, which made the further existence of the school doubtful. But the Lord gave us the victory. The world now gives our school a big testimony, and its work is praised everywhere. To the Lord alone be the praise.
Brother Stein, who conducted the school during the first year of its existence, went to Brusque, Sept. 1, 1897, to work as teacher in the church school at that place. I, assisted by my wife, then took hold of the school work in this place [Curityba], where the attendance had fallen away considerably. The Lord helped and blessed, and soon we called Brother W. Ehlers from Hamburg, Germany, to assist us. He is now sharing the work in the school with us. The number of students is steadily increasing. At the beginning of the school year we hope for additional numbers.
The Sabbath-school, which is also conducted in the same schoolrooms, has an average attendance of forty students. The Sabbath-school for the children is separate from the church Sabbath-school, the former being held from 9:30 to 10:30 A. M., and the latter beginning at 11 A. M. It is indeed a joy and a refreshing to be permitted to talk to the dear little lambs, from Sabbath to Sabbath, about the word of God. When the seed shall have grown, it will surely bear fruit to eternal life.
In the picture you will find my wife at my right hand, before the entrance gate. The one to my left is our son. At his side are our two boarders, the larger one having decided to devote himself to the work of teaching. Between these and the school children, is Brother Ehlers. The building belongs to the parents of our boarders, who have rented it to us at a comparatively low price. Dear brethren and sisters, do not forget to remember our school before the throne of grace.
This ends the description of the school as given by Brother Krämer. But since the photograph and the foregoing report were received, a German paper, Der Beobachter (Independent German Paper for Brazil), published at Curityba, was received at this Office, containing the following interesting remarks regarding the school:—
The examinations held at the International School were a most brilliant affair. The numerous spectators173were full of praise concerning the accomplishments of the school and the progress of the students. “Hats off before such accomplishments,” said one of the listening parents. Another spectator asserted that the result of the examinations at other schools was far behind this one. The judgment of a competent critic was that the International School is not equaled by any other in Curityba. It was surprising to see what even the little A-B-C children could do. No questions and answers had been drilled into them beforehand, but there was unveiled a picture of the real ability and accomplishment of the children. With such an examination we are in full harmony. Quick as lightning the hands flew up, and answers followed promptly. Very seldom was it necessary for the teacher to give the students any help.
The exhibition of written work testified to the good discipline of the school. How neat the writing and exercise books looked! and in addition, there were many specimens of beautiful handwriting. The dictation papers, which were carefully examined by the guests, caused exclamations of surprise, owing to their correct orthography.
Connected with the examination was an exhibition of the teaching appliances and apparatus of the institution. Number and reading machines of the latest type and construction; for the study of geography a large number of the best maps; a tellurium, with presentation of the planetary system; a microscope, with many slides; and a number of instruments used in the study of natural philosophy, were admirably displayed. There is hardly another school in Brazil that can show such a complete assortment of apparatus for aid in teaching. . . . Taken altogether, the examination was a true success in every sense of the term.
In another letter, Brother Krämer tells how thankful he is that: “God has given grace and strength so that the eyes of the whole city are directed to our school, and that the Lord will do wonders through broken reeds.” May God help us all to be broken vessels, such as he can use to his honor and glory.
