Nominated by member scholarly associations of the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, the 2022 Congress Graduate Merit Awards recognize exceptional graduate students who will be presenting their work at the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Tell us about yourself.
Marlon Sanches is a PhD candidate in Education at Concordia University. He holds an M.A. in Educational Studies and a Certificate in Adult Education both from Concordia University. Marlon sits in the editorial board of the Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education as a student editor. His research interests include adult education, citizenship education and critical pedagogy.
List the scholarly association(s) of which you are currently a member.
Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education (CASAE)
At which conference(s) will you be presenting and/or attending?
CASAE at Congress 2022, virtually from May 12 to 20, 2022.
What is the title of your Congress 2022 presentation?
Limit-situation, limit-act and untested feasibility: The search for social justice in Quilombolas communities in Brazil.
How would you describe the research you will be presenting at Congress 2022?
Critical pedagogy in a Freirean tradition provides us with a theoretical framework that improves our understanding of our current issues. The concepts of limit-situation, limit-act and untested feasibility amplify the possibilities of resisting and fighting oppression. Quilombola communities in Brazil are historical groups of former enslaved people who escaped and resisted slavery. Nowadays, they are threatened by increasing racism and intolerance in an era of extremism. We used critical pedagogy to understand how Quilombola adult education has always been neglected by the lack of policies that have undermined Quilombola knowledge and memory. We use this framework to discuss the current challenges faced by adult education in Quilombola communities in Brazil and how they resist ongoing violence.
How does the research you will be presenting connect with the Congress 2022 theme, Transitions?
Our research connects with the Congress 2022 theme, Transitions, because it was clear that COVID pandemic affected marginalized groups such as Quilombolas communities in Brazil in a disproportional way. Therefore, in times of transition, it is crucial to remember the past and preserve historical knowledge if we want to promote social justice.
What is your favourite part of the Congress experience?
My favorite part of the Congress experience is the opportunity to expand my knowledge on top-notch research being made in Canada and elsewhere. Congress gives me the chance to present my research and get feedback. I really enjoy meeting new peers, researchers and increase my network. Congress is amazing!
Share your hopes for Congress 2022.
We hope that Congress 2022 will promote social justice-oriented practices and research in Canada and worldwide. We also advocate for adult education throughout our lifespan to achieve a more sustainable and just world.