Promova and Instituto KondZilla bring free English learning to young people from São Paulo’s outskirts
Partnership offers premium access to students of the Institute and connects English learning with culture, creativity, and new opportunities
São Paulo, August 2025 – In Brazil, speaking English is still a privilege: only 5% of the population is fluent in the language, according to a British Council report. Limited access directly impacts opportunities for education, employment, and social mobility. To address this challenge, Promova, a global language learning platform, has partnered with Instituto KondZilla, a social organization that connects education and culture to youth from underserved communities, to democratize access to English learning. In this first phase, 50 young people supported by the Institute will receive full scholarships granting one year of premium access to Promova’s platform.
The initiative comes in the context of persistent educational inequalities shaped by racial disparities. Data from the IBGE show that, in 2022, 60.7% of white Brazilians aged 25 or older had completed high school, compared to only 47% of Black and mixed-race Brazilians — a gap of 13.7 percentage points. In higher education, the disparity is also striking: 29.2% of white youth aged 18 to 24 were enrolled in university, while only 15.3% of Black and mixed-race youth were. Against this backdrop, the partnership aims to make English a concrete tool for social mobility and broader horizons.
The scholarships provide access to Promova’s premium features, including personalized lessons, AI-powered speaking practice, and self-study resources. “We believe that English doesn’t need to be difficult, expensive, or out of reach. When language connects with the daily lives of young people, learning becomes meaningful. Together with Instituto KondZilla, we want to show that learning English can (and should) be part of their reality,” says Alena Kozub, Head of Brand and Global Communications at Promova.
For Instituto KondZilla, the partnership represents an opportunity to expand horizons and strengthen youth leadership. “Learning another language is not just about acquiring new words; it broadens perspectives and significantly increases opportunities in the job market. This initiative shows that the periphery can — and should — take up space globally,” explains Vanessa Reis, Pedagogical Coordinator at Instituto KondZilla.
The expectation is that these young people will make the most of this opportunity, with the learning experience positively impacting their paths, broadening their horizons, and strengthening their pursuit of better job opportunities. After the first group completes the program and the results are assessed, the partnership is expected to expand further, continuing to echo its impact on the lives of vulnerable youth.
About Promova
Promova is a language learning platform for present-day minds that has already helped more than 20 million students worldwide master new languages through adaptive learning with artificial intelligence, real communication practice, and inclusive features designed for diverse learning needs. With short lessons, AI-driven speaking practice, and a strong focus on neurodiversity-friendly education, Promova transforms language learning into an engaging, accessible experience that builds confidence. For more information, visit promova.com.
About Instituto KondZilla
Instituto KondZilla is a social organization working with youth from underserved communities, promoting access to education, culture, and opportunities for transformation through projects that combine art, innovation, and social impact.