ABSTRACT
On the occasion of the centenary of Paulo Freire’s birth, this article shows the relevance of the critical conception of education for the literacy method and for the critique of the oppression experienced by the majority of the population in present-day society. In order to achieve this, at first, we address Freire’s commitment to literacy and awareness of the masses for participation in the country’s development. In a second moment, Freire opens up to the rags of the world and, maintaining himself as a Christian personalist, establishes a fruitful dialogue with Marxism. In conclusion, a parallel is made between the situation of the country in Freire’s exile and the current situation, showing the loss that his departure meant for Brazilian education, as well as the risk of losing even its legacy if the political setback in which we find ourselves persists.
Keywords
Paulo Freire; Liberating education; Awareness; Pedagogy of the oppressed