Francisco Tavares - a story that intertwines and blends with that of the Eugénio Tavares High School on the island of Brava

In his publication, Francisco Tavares did not hesitate to classify the implementation of secondary education in 1995 as Brava's "greatest gain in its development process", stressing the importance of this infrastructure for the "positive transformation" of the island of Brava.

The coincidence of ESET's foundation with his own 30 years as a professor underlines his deep involvement with the institution since its inception. Tavares detailed his multifaceted career at the school, which illustrates the commitment of many professionals who have worn the ESET jersey in its early and critical years:

• Immediate Start (1996): As early as 1996, a year after opening, Tavares taught Chemistry (to the only 9th grade class) and Science Studies (7th and 8th grade). This initial period, although brief (just one month before he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics Teaching in Praia), marked his entry into ESET.

• Leadership roles: His contribution quickly expanded into the administrative and pedagogical field, where he served as Secretary to the Board of Directors and Deputy Pedagogical Director, helping to structure the new school.

• Comprehensive Teaching: Over the years, he has taught a variety of core subjects, from Mathematics (from 7th to 12th grade) to Computer Usage (11th and 12th grade), and more recently, ICT (Information and Communication Technologies).

Francisco Tavares' sharing takes on special significance when he reveals that his return to the classroom in February 2025 (where he teaches I.T.C. to 9th graders and Mathematics to 11th graders) came after a 12-year break (Sept. 2012 to Feb. 2025) dedicated to holding municipal political office, including the Presidency of the City Council. This return symbolizes the full cycle of his commitment to the island, which is divided between education and local governance.

Francisco Tavares' publication would not be complete without a tribute to the school's first principal. The politician and teacher made a point of using his platform to "remember and pay tribute to Professor Emanuel Orlando Vale Burgo for his role in the implementation and consolidation of secondary education in Brava".

This citation not only recognizes the merit of Burgo's pioneering work, but also reinforces the idea that ESET is the result of a collective and visionary effort.

Francisco Tavares' reflection is a powerful reminder that the anniversary of the Eugénio Tavares Secondary School is a celebration of educational success and a moment of recognition for all those, like him and Professor Burgo, whose careers have become intertwined with the destiny of Brava, transforming the island for generations to come. Their testimony highlights the island's deep gratitude for the training opportunity that ESET has provided them with.