With the aim of supporting children in Macau to learn Portuguese, LEKKA (力嘉) is a tutorial and education centre that helps to reinforce learning the language with tutorials, lessons and through a variety of activities.
LEKKA is an acronym for Lindo (Beautiful), Educado (Educated), Kerido* (Cherished), Kind (Simpático) and Amado (be loved).
Speaking to The Macau Post Daily at her office in the city centre earlier this week, Teresinha Tcheong Gabriel (張嘉嘉), the founder of LEKKA, said that the idea for the project started while she was providing private tutorial lessons to children from different schools in Macau that teach Portuguese, saying that “after one year, I felt that I could do something more”.
Gabriel said that the centre is a place that can facilitate learning Portuguese, emphasising that the project is aimed at kids who do not speak Portuguese as their mother tongue, but added that “we welcome all kids who would like to learn Portuguese with us”. She continued by saying that that aside from providing tutorial sessions for students from Macau’s Portuguese School (EPM), there are also sessions designed for students from other schools, such as those studying in schools using Chinese as the language of instruction but that also teach Portuguese, to reinforce their vocabulary and written and oral communication skills. The centre also provides courses for beginners, both kids and adults.
Gabriel also said that aside from providing a fun and playful atmosphere, the centre also aims to maintain an environment that reinforces learning Portuguese, adding that “the environment is very important for them to speak and practise more”. She also noted that facilitating this environment is increasingly important for kids who do not have an opportunity to practise the language, as well as with the growing use of English.
The centre incorporates various activities and workshops that allow Portuguese learning, including the arts such as painting and music, outdoor and team-building activities, and a radio role-play and podcast, among others. There are also activities and workshops that can teach kids Putonghua according to the level of lessons conducted at EPM. Gabriel explained that this could also help kids from Chinese families that are studying at EPM with practising and learning Chinese. Gabriel further explained that LEKKA also aims to help children beyond school work, aiding in their growth and development as people, as well as through providing workshops related to emotional preparation and support for children and their parents.
When asked about the importance of kids learning Portuguese, Gabriel said that it was important as Macau is considered a bridge between China and Portugal and the other Portuguese-speaking countries, noting that learning Portuguese can also open an opportunity to learning other European languages, help in making kids more well-rounded in terms of language and their future education.
Further details about the centre can be found on the website at www.lekkace.com.
The centre is located on the 14th floor of Si Toi Commercial Building on Avenida da Praia Grande in the city centre.
*Kerido is the centre’s alternative spelling of the Portuguese word “Querido”, which retains the same meaning and pronunciation.
This photo shows the founder of LEKKA, Teresinha Tcheong Gabriel (張嘉嘉), posing in front of a 3D painted mural at the tutorial and education centre. Photo: Rui Pastorin
This poster from LEKKA’s website shows the centre’s acronym and what they aim to work towards.
