This paper studies movements of education and popular culture that occurred in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, between the years 1948-1964, a period of democratic validity. This context facilitated the expression of the Catholic Church, under the guidance of the Archdiocese of Christmas and progressive sectors of the Catholic Action, created in 1958, an experience in education and popular culture literacy by radio to the rural environment, the radio schools, then Base Education Movement (MEB). Also in Natal in 1961, a movement of popular education, the responsibility of the Municipality, called “Campaign standing on the ground also learn to read” and meant an innovative experience in education, with great popular participation, facing the came poorest sections of the population. These two experiments have achieved a significant number of the population, developing, beyond literacy an awareness- pedagogical action, representing moments of liberation, progressive quest for a more just and humane society.