The shameful inaction of emigrants, former students, directors and teachers of the Escola de Nossa Senhora do Monte - We must not wait for the State. Unity can make a difference.

In this opinion article, I will argue that we should not depend exclusively on the State to save institutions as important as the Escola de Nossa Senhora do Monte. Instead, it is imperative that the community come together and take action to preserve the educational heritage that this school represents.

Escola de Nossa Senhora do Monte has a long history of providing quality educational services to the local community. For decades, it has been a beacon of education, helping to shape the lives of countless students. Furthermore, the school has also played a vital role in preserving local culture and traditions.

However, in recent years, the school has faced difficulties, particularly the lack of maintenance of its facilities. The deterioration of school conditions threatens not only the quality of education offered, but also its very existence. Many emigrants, former students and teachers have followed this decline with concern, but concrete action has been scarce.

What is most disappointing is the widespread inaction of those who have an emotional and historical connection to the Nossa Senhora do Monte School. Many emigrants who left in search of better life opportunities have remained distant from the difficulties faced by school. Former students who received a quality education there seem to be willing to simply lament the situation instead of taking effective action. Even some retired teachers, who dedicated years of their lives to school, did not come together to try to reverse this negative trend.

One of the reasons for this inaction is the expectation that the State will intervene and resolve all school problems. Although the government has a role to play in public education, we should not depend exclusively on it to preserve institutions as important as the Escola de Nossa Senhora do Monte. The reality is that state resources are limited and competition for funding is fierce. Waiting passively for the State is a recipe for failure.

Instead of waiting for the State, it is time for the community of emigrants, former students and teachers to come together and take concrete measures to preserve the school. Mobilizing financial resources, organizing fundraising campaigns, promoting the school to attract new students and holding events to raise awareness in the community are actions that can make a difference.

Furthermore, it is important to involve the local community, showing them the value of the school and how it can be a center of educational and cultural excellence for the region. Partnerships with local businesses and other institutions can also be explored to secure broader support.

We appeal to everyone to join forces and, literally, get our hands dirty to paint the Escola de Nossa Senhora do Monte. The physical restoration of the school is just one aspect of the challenge we face, but it is a tangible and symbolic step in the right direction.

Painting the school is not just an aesthetic issue; it is an act of renewal and expression of our commitment to its future. School should be a place where the dreams of children and young people are nurtured, where traditions are celebrated and where knowledge is passed on from generation to generation. The school's painting can be seen as a visual representation of our determination to preserve this legacy.

The school painting can also serve as a call to action for the broader community. When we see an institution being cared for and valued by its own members, it inspires others to get involved and support the cause. It is a demonstration that we are willing to invest not only our time and resources, but also our heart and soul, in protecting what is important to us.

In addition to physical painting, we must continue to lobby local and regional authorities for support. This includes seeking public funding and partnerships with educational and cultural institutions. We cannot abandon the idea that the State has responsibilities in this context, but we cannot depend exclusively on it.

Another way to engage the community is to organize events, exhibitions and activities that highlight the richness of local culture and the value of education. These initiatives not only promote the school, but also strengthen ties within the community.

To ensure our efforts are successful, it is important to establish efficient coordination. A dedicated committee or working group can be formed to manage the practical aspects such as fundraising, planning the school painting and promoting events.

Ultimately, the school is more than a physical structure; It is a symbol of our community and our commitment to education and local culture. Painting the school is an act of resilience, love and determination. We must remember that we are the force that can make a difference, and it is time to act decisively to ensure that Escola de Nossa Senhora do Monte continues to shine as a beacon of knowledge and tradition.

Our efforts can inspire other communities to come together to protect their fundamental institutions. Together, we can show that community action and determination are the essential ingredients for overcoming challenges and building a better future. So let's come together, paint the school and ensure it continues to be a place of learning, growth and celebration of our cultural and educational heritage.

The Escola de Nossa Senhora do Monte is an educational and cultural treasure that cannot be lost due to inaction. The shameful passivity of emigrants, former students and teachers is not only disappointing, but also unacceptable. We cannot wait for the State to solve all our problems. Instead, unity and action are essential to ensure the school's survival and success. It's time to unite, work together and show that we are capable of preserving our educational and cultural heritage for future generations. The School of Nossa Senhora do Monte deserves nothing less than this.

Moises Santiago