João Monteiro da Cruz, unconditional love for nursing
João Monteiro da Cruz, better known as Djodjoy, was born in Mato Riba, Brava Island, on April 7, 1958, son of Abrão da Cruz and Alice Monteiro da Cruz. When he was just a few years old, his parents migrated to Angola when he was still a child, returning to Brava Island again in 1975.
At the age of 18, he began his journey on the path of the Capuchins of the Catholic Church, remaining there for 7 years. For personal reasons, he interrupted his career as a missionary, and in 1985 he decided to follow the nursing course on the Island of São Vicente, at Hospital Baptista de Sousa, where he dedicated 4 years of study, until 1989, when he graduated and was hired to work in his home island.
He was appointed to the Nossa Senhora do Monte health station, where he served from 1989 to 1993. In 1995, he moved to São Vicente for two years, but feeling a strong vocation to serve his community in Brava, he returned.
Seeking to improve his skills, he traveled to Angola for specialization for 2 years, returning to Brava to continue his mission of serving the community. After 34 years dedicated to service, Djodjoy decided to retire from public service, but reiterated his commitment to serve whenever necessary.
João Monteiro is an example of dedication to his island, remaining faithful to his calling as a nurse, taking care of the health of his patients with love and commitment. He nostalgically expresses his farewell to active service, but with a sense of mission accomplished, having done everything in his power for his community.
Their hard work and unconditional love will be recognized in a ceremony in the Great Hall of the City Hall, a well-deserved tribute to the 34 years dedicated to community service. Djodjoy will continue to be an inspiration for future generations, demonstrating that it is possible to do more and better in public health, always seeking to advance and improve the care provided.
The live broadcast of the tribute by Brava Sports and Culture via their Facebook page is a testament to the recognition they deserve for their exemplary contribution to the health and well-being of the Brava community.
Brava sports and culture bringing the best to you.
Text by @ Gambiano Gomes
Photography by @Gambiano Gomes
