Condemned to slow death, the Nossa Senhora do Monte school cries alone without anyone to help it
In the small village of Nossa Senhora do Monte, a cry of despair echoes through its silent streets. The central school, affectionately known as "Scolona", is a poignant symbol of the neglect and lack of action by those responsible for education and local infrastructure.
Founded in 1826 and elevated to a village in 2015, the community is still waiting for this elevation to materialize into concrete and substantial improvements. However, the reality is harsh: the “Scolona”, once a pillar of local education, agonizes in a deplorable state.
It is a fact that the degradation of “Scolona” is visible and embarrassing. The school, which should be a vibrant place of learning and growth, looks more like an abandoned building. The cracked walls, deteriorated ceiling and precarious facilities not only disrespect the dignity of students and teachers, but also reflect a profound failure in public management and commitment to education.
Responsibility for this catastrophic situation lies with several authorities. For years, government and education leaders turned a blind eye to the school's gradual deterioration. Promises of reforms and improvements dissipated into thin air, without effective actions being taken. The lack of clear and decisive intervention contributed to the “Scolona” becoming a dark example of negligence.
However, the blame does not just fall on political and educational leaders. The community also has a role in this tragedy. The complacency of the population, which has passively watched the degradation of the school, has helped to perpetuate this situation. The indifference and lack of pressure on those responsible contributed to the situation dragging on for so long.
Now, the time has come to demand urgent changes. The population of Nossa Senhora do Monte must unite and raise their voice to demand the requalification and modernization of Scolona. It is essential that the City Council exerts due pressure, the Government and the Ministry of Education take responsibility and take concrete measures to restore the dignity of our school.
To achieve this, it is necessary for the community to mobilize effectively. Actions such as demonstrations, petitions and the possible boycott of the next elections are ways of showing the seriousness of our demand and the determination to obtain results. Public pressure can be a powerful catalyst for change.
This is not just a rant, but a call to action. The situation in “Scolona” is a broader reflection of the challenges faced by our town and our island. The future of our children and the quality of education they receive are at stake. The time to act is now. The Nossa Senhora do Monte community must come together in a coordinated effort to ensure that our school receives the attention and care it so desperately needs and deserves.
If we do not act now, “Scolona” will continue to be a symbol of administrative bankruptcy and an education sacrificed on the altar of negligence. We cannot allow this to happen. It's time to demand, fight and transform our reality.
Moises Santiago
July 31, 2024
