Popular knowledge of soap-making in the solidarity kitchen of the Brazilian Popular Peasant Movement (MCP) in Catalão, Goiás, Brazil

an experience report

Abstract

This experience report describes an activity developed within the course “Foundations of Countryside Education and the Project for Popular Education in Brazil”, offered by the Graduate Program in Education at the Federal University of Catalão (Ufcat). The experience took place during a field class in the solidarity kitchen “Sabores do Campo”, organized by the Brazilian Popular Peasant Movement (MCP) in Catalão, Goiás, Brazil. The aim was to promote an exchange between academic and popular knowledge through the collective production of handmade soap using reused oil. Thus, this qualitative and applied research is grounded in Freirean pedagogy and popular education. The methodological approach involved participant observation and field notes, with content analysis guided by categories emerging from practice. In this sense, the results indicate that the experience fostered environmental awareness and strengthening community ties, highlighting the pedagogical potential of knowledge rooted in the daily lives of peasant women. The report reaffirms the importance of dialogue and horizontality as instruments for social transformation, emphasizing the role of women as guardians of traditional knowledge. Therefore, it is concluded that the articulation between the university and social movements points to concrete pathways for education oriented towards sustainability and social justice.