Abstract:
The research deals with the contribution of the First Baptist Church and the Zion
Ministry toward elderly people acquiring reading capability. It briefly relates the
history of the Baptist Church in the world, in Brazil and in Caetanos. Besides
this, it brings up the concept of elderly person, pointing out the reality of the
elderly person in our society, and how the elderly person has been assisted by
the public policies, since the quality of life of these people depends directly on
the State. The research also studies illiteracy among the elderly, the historical
aspect of the EJA program in Brazil and what measures the governments have
put in place to eradicate illiteracy among the elderly. A study is carried out about
the importance of reading for the elderly, seeking the concept of reading in
Paulo Freire, an author who became known for creating a method of literacy
training for youth and adults. It will also report on the role of reading for well
being and social insertion. A field research with 10 people over the age of 60
from the churches researched will be carried out; the research project will have
an interview guide with 13 questions. The research points to the fact that the
Baptist churches in Caetanos contribute to literacy acquisition in the third age
(as elderly).
