Some projects leave a lasting impression not because of the number of words translated, but because of what they represent professionally.
I am delighted to share the completion of my second ProZ Pro Bono humanitarian translation project, carried out for Progressive International.
This assignment involved translating a 2,774-word article from English into Brazilian Portuguese, contributing to the organisation’s multilingual communication efforts and helping make important information accessible to a wider audience.
Although the article itself remains confidential until its official publication, I can share what this project taught me—and why it became an important milestone in my professional journey.
Translation is never just translation
At first glance, translating between two variants of the same language may seem relatively straightforward.
In reality, it is anything but.
As a native speaker of European Portuguese, translating into Brazilian Portuguese requires much more than adapting spelling or vocabulary. Every sentence demands careful localisation, taking into account grammar, syntax, punctuation, idiomatic expressions, register, rhythm and cultural expectations.
There is no room for assumptions.
Every linguistic choice must be researched, verified and, whenever necessary, discussed with native speakers of the target variant.
This is precisely what I enjoy most about localisation work. Every project becomes an opportunity to deepen my understanding of another culture while ensuring that the final text feels completely natural to its intended audience.
The value of collaborative quality assurance
One of the greatest strengths of the ProZ Pro Bono programme is its collaborative review process.
Translations are reviewed by experienced linguists before publication, allowing volunteer translators to continue improving while ensuring high-quality language services for non-profit organisations around the world.
After reviewing my translation, the Brazilian Portuguese reviewer sent me a message that I will always remember:
“Seu esforço de se aventurar no português brasileiro valeu a pena!”
(“Your effort to venture into Brazilian Portuguese was worth it!”)
As someone translating into a Portuguese variant that is not my native one, those words meant a great deal.
They acknowledged not only the final translation, but also the extensive terminology research, stylistic adaptation and localisation work that happened behind the scenes.
The reviewer also left a recommendation on my ProZ Project History:
“Rita’s translation was high quality and communication with her was easy, quick and friendly. I look forward to working with her again.”
For any freelance translator, recommendations from fellow linguists carry particular significance because they come from professionals who understand the complexity of the work involved.
From translator to reviewer
The story did not end with this project.
Following its successful completion, I was invited to take on my first reviewing assignment for Progressive International through the ProZ Pro Bono programme.
For me, this represents an important professional milestone.
Reviewing another translator’s work requires a different perspective from translation itself. It involves evaluating consistency, terminology, style, localisation choices, readability and overall linguistic quality while preserving the author’s original message.
In this case, it also means reviewing content intended for Brazilian Portuguese—a language variant that is not my mother tongue, but one that I approach with careful research, collaboration and continuous professional development.
Being entrusted with that responsibility is both an honour and a motivation to keep learning.
Why I value Pro Bono work
Volunteer translation is often perceived simply as unpaid work.
For me, it represents something much more meaningful.
It offers the opportunity to collaborate with professional linguists from different countries, support organisations whose work reaches audiences worldwide, and continue developing specialised localisation skills through real-world projects.
Every assignment expands not only my portfolio, but also my understanding of language, culture and communication.
Looking ahead
Once Progressive International officially publishes the article and grants permission for it to be referenced publicly, I will update this page with a link to the published version and add it to my professional portfolio.
The translation itself will remain confidential, in accordance with professional ethics and publication requirements.
Until then, I remain grateful for the trust placed in my work, for the generosity of the reviewers who shared their expertise – Thank you, Nathalie Guizilian, and for another opportunity to contribute to meaningful international communication through ProZ Pro Bono.
