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NAVIGATORS’ BOOKLET PRODUCES GIFT FOR CHILDREN AT THE LAR DE JOVENS HOME
Lagos Navigators’ was created in 2005 to encourage the exchange of information and experiences between yachtsmen visiting – or staying in – Marina de Lagos. Social activities, communications networks, technical forums, country walks and barbecues all followed as the members got behind the idea and contributed their expertise and efforts.
A number of the yachtsmen – locals as well as visitors – had the desire to learn a bit more about our host country and even wanted to try to learn a little of the language. From this idea, The Lagos Navigators’ developed a short course, entitled “Basic Survival in the Portuguese Language”.
Organised by Terry O’Brien and delivered by Ana Paula Holloway, this course was run three times over the winter of 2005 to 2006. Some 24 yachtsmen gained a grasp of the language, as well as an insight into aspects of the culture and history of Portugal. “Two hours, on three days, for four weeks” - became the pattern of attendance at “Flintstone’s Restaurant” which the management of Jardim das Dunas Leisure Centre kindly allowed us to use for our classes.
While there are many excellent phrase books, dictionaries, grammars and textbooks, our learners found the need for a handy synopsis of the language. They wanted a pocket companion, with the just the essential basics of the complex Portuguese grammar – enough for day-to-day survival, when faced with a need to communicate. The resulting booklet proved really popular – and a number of other yachtsmen, visitors and locals asked for a copy! This was duly arranged – always in return for a donation to the Lagos Children’s Home – Lar de Jovens, run by the well known organization, CASLAS.
Having read in “The Portugal News” of David Mossman’s initiative to secure school bags for young people, we felt that this seemed an excellent use for the funds raised from the Navigators’ educational efforts! It was great to be able to present €200 to staff member Silvia Pona of Lar de Jovens, and she was delighted to do the shopping on behalf of the youngsters.
Th Navigators’ is in the throes of restarting activities after the summer sailing season – but we are already taking bookings for “Basic Survival in the Portuguese Language” from the new intake of visitors to Marina de Lagos. We’ll be doing our best to produce an even larger donation to Lar de Jovens by next summer.
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