University Extension Activity, Jardim São Remo and an Educational Institution – Challenges in Creating a Common Field of Work

Abstract

This paper aims to reflect on the role of the public university extension courses through the activities of a Group which articulates the Extension Courses of the Psychology Institute in the University of São Paulo. This Group is an open group, composed of students, faculty and staff members of the Institute who are concerned in defending and reflecting upon the role of the public university (specially USP) in the Brazilian society. Two students and a teacher, who were participants of this Group, developed an activity in Espaço Girassol, an educational institution located in Jardim São Remo (near USP, capital campus) that complements the school´s activities. Using records from the meetings of the articulation group and the internship reports, we will present the functioning of this group and we will focus on the construction of the work done on the internship in Espaço Girassol. Our discussion affirms the relationship between this singular work of the university extension and the defense of the public character of the extension.