BravaNews remembers Emanuel Orlando Burgo as the first Principal who planted the seed of Secondary Education on Brava Island

Three decades after the founding of ESET in 1995, a dream that seemed distant for the people of Brava, Bravanews does a memory exercise, recalling the achievements and tireless work of this personality who is recognized as one of the pioneers of this historic initiative.

Before 1995, the absence of a secondary school on Brava forced young people to leave the island to pursue their studies, an exodus that imposed heavy burdens on families and deprived Brava of some of its most promising youth. Emanuel Orlando Burgo emerged in this context as a key figure, leading the realization of the project.

As the first Director, his mission was not limited to day-to-day management. He was the initial architect of the school, responsible for laying the pedagogical foundations, defining the administrative structure and, above all, mobilizing the community. His pioneering work involved pooling efforts between the central and local authorities, overcoming the logistical and structural challenges inherent in an island that is difficult to access.

Orlando Burgo's leadership in the initial years was decisive for ESET's credibility and success. Not only did he ensure that the secondary school got off the ground, but he also set a standard of demand and quality that the school has maintained. Bravanews points out that, in addition to his time at the helm of ESET, Emanuel Orlando Burgo continued to be a prominent figure in the island's education sector, later taking on the role of Delegate of the Brava Ministry of Education, a testament to his ongoing commitment to the training of the new generations.

What we have today at the Eugénio Tavares Secondary School, this beacon of knowledge celebrating 30 years, is largely due to the courage and vision of people like Emanuel Orlando Burgo. He didn't just open the doors; he shaped the spirit of this school, ensuring that secondary education was accessible to all Bravenses, a feat that has positively altered the destiny of our island.

His management skills and focus on continually improving the quality of teaching, demonstrated through the school's achievement results reported over the years, underline the lasting impact of his work on Brava.

The celebration of ESET's 30th anniversary is the ideal moment for the Brava community to publicly recognize the legacy of Emanuel Orlando Burgo.

For Bravanews, Orlando Burgo's work is an example of public service and dedication, a legacy that inspires current and future generations to value education as the essential engine of human development and the preservation of Brava's identity.