The dissertation analyses the process of training voluntary teachers in CPVCs, as self sustained community classes in poor metropolitan areas, preparing for university entrance examinations. History literacy is aimed at the development of competences and abilities in reading at the final level of high school. The dissertation theoretical frame-wok is based on Isabel Barca, Vitória Rodrigues Silva and Magda Soaress epistemology in relation to the mediations implied in the development of complex psychological processes. The field research analyses the teachers training programs in CPVCs in 2006- 2007, based on a constructivism matrix for the development of high school competences, articulated to a proposal of historicalcultural approach based on Paulo Freire. The research data were gathered through archival studies on curriculum and didactic materials developed in the 2006-2007 trainings; and on semi- structured interviews, on field observations, as well as on formative evaluations carried in CPVCs classrooms. The main conclusions are: i) the History literacy process, articulating the constructivism matrix to Freire and Vygotsky historical-cultural approach, may be oriented by History teachers; ii) the constructivism competences matrix does not undermine the development of historical knowledge; therefore it may allow a more substantive teaching training program; iii) indeed the reading competences development is a constitutive part of historical knowledge; hence it is not a simple device to gather information about History; iv) the History literacy requires reading competences and abilities, based on several textual supporters, that are not neutral materials in relation to political, ideological and social problems. Hence being literate in History implies a continuous development of the competence to read the social and historical world, and the perception of finitude of the social formations.