At Brave Generation Academy (BGA), education goes beyond the classroom walls. With flexible hybrid learning and supportive local Hubs, BGA empowers young people aged 12+ to take control of their own education, explore their passions, and connect with a global network of learners.
In this interview, we spoke with Fernando Barros Dutra, a Brazilian teenager who has been living in Porto since 2018. Fernando joined BGA’s Anje Hub in 2022 after realising that traditional schooling wasn’t the right fit for him. He shares how the freedom and support at Brave Generation Academy have transformed not only the way he studies but also how he views himself, his future, and the world around him.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your life before joining Brave Generation Academy?
My name is Fernando. I come from Brazil and have been living in Portugal for 7 years. I originally only studied in regular schools until I tried BGA. I was a decent student, and I enjoyed my time in school. However, as I got older, I started to feel frustrated by some of the rigid rules, like having to be allowed to go to the bathroom, being told where to sit, or spending so many hours at school. Eventually, I didn’t want to go to school anymore, and I even gave it the nickname “prison”.
How did you first hear about BGA, and what made you decide to give it a try?
A very close friend of mine left my original school to join BGA. At first, I didn’t really believe in the idea, and I thought it was a bit unusual. But as I talked to my friend, he would tell me stories and mention how genuinely happy he was, how much freedom and time he had for himself, and how he was growing as a person.
Meanwhile, I was feeling unhappy and wishing for that same freedom to do things for myself and not just for a grade. Eventually, I decided to try it out, and I even convinced another friend to come with me.
How would you describe your first few weeks at BGA? Did anything surprise you about the learning environment?
The first few weeks were amazing. It felt like being in a new world: I could arrive and go home at whatever time I wanted, take breaks when I needed to, and work at my own pace. My friends and I had a lot of fun, though we had to be reminded that it was still a school and not a playground!
I admit that adapting and getting used to being my own boss in terms of hours and important decisions took a while. This independence was exciting but also challenging, because you need to learn how to manage it.
Can you tell us more about the Anje Hub? What is your favourite thing about it?
My favourite thing about the Anje hub is that it is in front of the famous Douro river and it has a very beautiful view. I also love the fact it’s very small, as it creates a bigger sense of community when we are all there together. It makes it feel more familiar and approachable.
What’s your favourite part about learning at BGA?
Personally, it’s freedom. After figuring out how to manage it, freedom has become an extremely important “currency” in my life. I’ve understood that sometimes being more occupied now can free up time for things later, and if I study more, I can leave school earlier because I’ve finished all my tasks for the day. The most important aspect of this lesson for me was the fact that I reached this conclusion by myself, which makes it 1000x more rewarding.
How does attending BGA compare to your previous school experience?
Honestly, it’s not even a fair comparison. I’ll defend this school with my heart forever. At BGA, I’ve become happier, smarter, more responsible, and more professional. Most importantly, I’ve learned how my brain works, which makes me feel ready to take on any challenge as long as I have time to prepare.
I’ve also had more time to explore different sports, try new things, meet new people, and of course, study. I was incentivised by the school to get out there and remember being told: “Learning doesn’t only come from the classroom”, which is so refreshing to hear.
BGA emphasises flexibility and self-directed learning. How has this helped you grow both academically and personally?
This question is so important to me because it makes me realise how much I’ve grown in the past 3 years at BGA. I went from being a below-average, lazy student to someone dedicated, determined, and focused, with pretty good grades on my exams.
In my opinion, it is all thanks to three things:
- Working independently: Working alone and not having someone to teach you things is a big risk. In the beginning you are going to fail and not understand things and get scared because you are falling behind, and it will seem like the world will end. But slowly you are going to improve and start to understand how your mind works, and after you fully grasp that concept, there is nothing holding you back anymore, and it is the best feeling ever.
- The Learning Coaches: Learning coaches are the “teachers” at BGA. They are with you every day, and are there to be your coach, whether for personal problems, academic issues, sports issues, organisational issues, or even just to have a good conversation. They are great people who are there to guide the learners through all the different decisions they have to make. They don’t make the choices for them, but they help and guide. My learning coaches have helped me through so many difficult times when I was struggling with things outside of school.
- Myself: Ultimately, adapting to this model required determination and hard work. Not everyone fits with BGA’s way of learning, but for me it was life-changing and I was able to grow.
You mentioned having more time for sports, the gym, and studying financial literacy. How has managing your own schedule changed your life?
Managing my own time made me realise how much you can actually do in 24 hours. After I was the one in charge of my routine, I was able to start adding things to my life that helped me grow. I’ve added sports that have helped me physically and mentally, studied subjects I’m passionate about like financial literacy, and still have time for hobbies. It’s made me feel more complete as a person.
How connected do you feel to other students, especially in the context of a hybrid education? Have you made any friendships that you feel are unique to the BGA experience?
It’s important to clarify that BGA is not an online school. Learners are encouraged to go to their local Hub in person. Working from home is only for exceptional cases, with permission from your parents and learning coaches, but it can be used as a tool for more flexibility. Socially, at first it was a challenge. I am extremely lucky to have gone there with two close friends, as it’s easy to stay in your own bubble and not talk to anyone.
With time, however, I started talking to people, and I have connected with all my peers, and we have created a very welcoming environment in our Hub. I have made very good friends in BGA, who will hopefully be with me for life. I have also made connections with learners that live in different countries or in different parts of Portugal, and even though I don’t talk to them a lot, I know I will see them in the school activities, which is a great time to catch up with them.
What activities, clubs, or projects have you enjoyed the most outside of academics?
I’ve added a lot more sports in my life. I’ve also taken time to develop my CV, taken internships and work opportunities and I have done many courses on financial topics and investments. These experiences have helped me develop and prepare for adult life.
What would you say to other teenagers who are thinking about joining an online or hybrid school like BGA?
I’d say that you are taking a great step forward; you are being very brave. There is a lot of potential to grow at BGA, but know that nothing good in life comes easy, which means you need to study and work hard.
At the same time, the beauty is that you can also choose to be more relaxed if you want. Everyone learns differently, and at BGA you can shape your own path.
If you could change one thing about traditional schooling, what would it be?
Having a bit more flexibility would greatly improve regular schools in my opinion. Let people be different and think differently; let people answer questions differently and solve issues in their own ways.
We’re not robots; we’re kids. We need to sleep more and we need to experience things outside of school too. Maybe that is easier said than done but I believe it would be a great step forward. Overall, not having everything set in stone. Be more flexible.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about BGA that they might not expect?
That we’re not just an online school. The Hubs are such an important part of the experience.
Looking ahead, what dreams or plans do you have for the next few years, and how do you think BGA will help you get there?
My dream is to attend BMHS, a university in Switzerland that has just partnered with BGA. I hope this partnership will help me gain a place and possibly financial aid.
I’d also like to get a job, and BGA has already supported me with internships and experiences that will be really valuable in the future. The help I’ve received until now has given me the belief I can get anywhere with hard work and perseverance.
Fernando’s journey shows how Brave Generation Academy’s flexible, learner-centred model empowers young people to thrive, building independence, resilience, and self-awareness while preparing them for life beyond school.
His story is just one example of what families across Europe are experiencing, from BGA’s hybrid education model in Valencia to remote hybrid learning experiences in other regions. Brave Generation Academy continues to open new possibilities and help the next generation discover their true potential.
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