Aprender Program Boosts Academic Performance and Transforms Students' Educational Journeys

Children and adolescents exceed the learning targets established in the educational plan for reading, writing, and mathematics

Maceió, September 18, 2026 - The Aprender Program, an initiative that provides academic support to 328 students from five municipal schools in Maceió formerly located in areas that are now unoccupied, has effectively helped children and adolescents catch up in reading, writing, and mathematics. In the latest assessment, conducted during the first semester, 247 participating students (75.3%) met the learning targets for all three subjects. Of these, 112 (34%) exceeded the targets.

In addition to the percentage of students who met or exceeded the targets, the data show a decrease in the number of students at the initial learning levels and an increase in those reaching intermediate and advanced levels across all age groups. Among students aged 12 to 17, the percentage performing at the advanced level more than tripled, rising from 5.7% to 19.2%. Meanwhile, the percentage of students who remained at the initial levels fell from 46.8% to 21.6%. The results were measured through assessments administered every two months, following a methodology implemented by a specialized education company.

An Inspiring Example

Nikecya Vitória Andrade dos Santos, a 15-year-old student from the Benedito Bentes learning center and former resident of Bom Parto, is one of the Aprender Program's inspiring stories. Nikecya was admitted to the Federal Institute of Alagoas (IFAL) through its admissions process. The daughter of a homemaker and an informal vendor, she is the youngest of seven siblings and the first member of her family to enroll in a vocational education program.

"To me, Aprender is more than just academic support. It helps us see ourselves in a better light and say, 'I am loved, I have a future, and I need to work toward it.' I will always be grateful for this experience," says Nikecya, who plans to study Business Administration. "I want to make my parents proud and repay them for everything they have done for me," she adds.

Thayná Araújo, a teacher with the Aprender Program, supported Nikecya in her studies until she was accepted. "It was moving to witness Nikecya's dedication, progress, and achievement. I came to understand just how much that accomplishment meant to her and her family. To me, being a teacher means opening doors so that young people can achieve their goals," she says.

Agreement

The Aprender Program stems from an agreement formally approved in 2024 among the Federal Public Prosecution Service (MPF), the Public Prosecution Service of the State of Alagoas (MPAL), the Federal Public Defender's Office (DPU), the Maceió Municipal Department of Education (Semed), and Braskem.

Scheduled to run for 20 months, the program provides academic support outside regular school hours, as well as transportation assistance, educational and multimedia materials, meals at the learning centers, and a monthly BRL 400 student support allowance. Students eligible for the Program who opted not to attend classes for reasons provided for under the agreement, such as transferring to the state school system, received a one-time payment of BRL 8,000.

Methodology

Implemented by a specialized education company hired by Braskem and supervised by Semed, the Aprender Program operates at seven learning centers located in the neighborhoods of Benedito Bentes, Petrópolis, Chã da Jaqueira, Chã do Bebedouro, Serraria, Clima Bom, and Santa Lúcia/Tabuleiro.

The Program's methodology is structured around competency-based learning pathways and built on three educational pillars: the development of academic knowledge, with a focus on improving mathematics, reading, and writing skills; life skills; and capoeira classes and cultural activities.

"The Aprender Program allows us to plan our work around each student's skills, background, and age. In addition to academic content, we contribute to students' cognitive, social, and personal development while also broadening their cultural horizons," says teacher Thayná Araújo.

 

 

PHOTO CREDITS - Philipe Medeiros/Divulgação/Braskem