Educating for Diversity: Initial Training for Volunteer Social Educators in the Context of Inclusive Education

Abstract

This article presents an experience report on the planning and hosting of the first training course for Volunteer Social Educators (ESVs) in the Federal District, promoted by EAPE in February 2025. The training was developed in response to the enactment of Law Number 7.621/2024 and Legislation Number 1.762/2024, which established the Volunteer Social Educator Program. The course, which lasted 30 hours and was offered in a self-instructional format, aimed to prepare volunteers to support students with disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down's Syndrome, migrants and indigenous people, in the context of full-time and inclusive education. One of the central axes of the training action was tackling ableism, promoting empathy, respect for differences and valuing diversity. The evaluation was carried out by 4.575 course participants and revealed a high approval rate but also pointed out challenges such as limited access to technology, the demand for more in-depth study of topics and the contradictions of the voluntary nature of the program in relation to  the participants’ sociodemographic profile. The study reinforces the importance of continuing training, pedagogical support and monitoring the conditions in which ESVs operate, with a view to building fairer, more inclusive and equitable public policies.