Full-time state school students write a book about legends and hauntings
The work, which was also illustrated by the students themselves, highlights the protagonism and dedication that involve the entire community of the Augusto Meira Full-time State School in Belém.
Inspired by legends and stories heard at home, in conversations with the elders, and in the traditions of the popular imagination of Pará, students from the Augusto Meira Full-time State School, in the São Brás neighborhood of Belém, reinforced their protagonism by publishing the book "Legends and Hauntings" under the Paka-Tatu Publishing label. The work, written and illustrated by the students themselves, was presented to the public on the evening of Thursday (26), a moment marked by emotion, joy, and autographs at the school.
The initiative is part of the "Folhas Volantes" project and is the result of the elective course on Amazonian Legends, made possible by the full-time teaching model. The project consists of producing narratives from the popular imagination. A total of 19 students participated in the production of the book. For the school's manager, Júlia Miranda, the moment was very important and full of meaning.
“When we see 19 students launching a book in the presence of all their family members, authorities, and the entire school community attending this event, with students signing the books, for us it is a wonderful feeling of hope, of Paulo Freire's verb 'to hope'. We are here hoping, which means moving, working, seeking better opportunities for our students. So, the launch of this book practically translates what hoping means for us here at the school. We are working every day to deepen our students' knowledge, improving their reading, writing, text production, and interpretation, which culminated in this book. A moment of great pride, hope, and happiness for all of us at our school,” said the principal.
For student Flávia Farias, one of the authors of the book and responsible for illustrating the work, participating in the project was a great achievement and an opportunity to showcase talents. “Really, something I always wanted happened: I was able to show my drawings. And, especially in a work like this, which, honestly, was a very big opportunity. So, it is something very significant for me, especially because everything was so incredible. I am very happy, very grateful to the teacher for giving me the opportunity to show my drawings, to tell my story - which is not even mine, but my great-grandfather's. I am very, very happy, very emotional, and I think something that everyone who participated in this book should carry for life is that we, even at such a young age, should never miss opportunities, especially when coming with the encouragement of a teacher,” she shared.
“The production of narratives from the popular imagination, usually collected from the authors' family members to be distributed during the 'Cortejo Visagento', an event already fixed in the cultural agenda of the city, promoted by Nossa Biblioteca. During this walk through the streets of the Guamá neighborhood, teachers from the school and students distribute the stories to those present at the event. After this sharing of knowledge, the stories are gathered and generate a book. That's how 'Legends and Hauntings' came about and the first book of the project, '8 Pará Legends', which was launched at the 2024 Pan-Amazon Book Fair and Multivoices, with sponsorship from the Official Press of the State and the label of the Dalcídio Jurandir Public Publisher,” explained the project's teacher and advisor, Paulo Maués Corrêa.
According to the educator, the moment “will go down in the history of the Augusto Meira State School, as it was marked by the emotion of authors, teachers, family members, and guests. Actions like these show that public schools have great value,” highlighted teacher Paulo Maués.
