USAID and the U.S companies in Brazil (Mais Unidos Group) developed a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MSTI) of Brazil. The objective is to offer Brazilians the opportunity to learn English through on-line distance learning platform. Beneficiaries will have access to basic level English language content and will be able to take courses at their will and pace with no cost.

In Brazil, the access to computers has tripled during the last ten years, almost 40% of households have computer in their homes. Moreover, for those who don’t have computer at home, there are more than 107.000 LAN houses, a commercial establishment similar to coffee shops that offers internet access where thousands of Brazilians will have access to the English distance learning platform. For instance, LAN houses are located in Rio’s favelas, the poor outskirt neighborhood of the northeast region as well as throughout the country. Brasscom, the Brazilian Association for Information Technology companies, a partner in the program, will work with USAID and the U.S companies on the monitoring and evaluation of the program. According to Brascomm approximately 100.000 Brazilians, from both genders and from a broad range of age, will be benefited by the program.