Lisbon, Portugal – UPF-Portugal representatives participated in the first Assembly of the Platform Cape Verde and Diaspora.
The assembly was held from September 21 to 23, 2023, with the aim of strengthening ties between members of the Cape Verdean diaspora and institutions and associations related to the African island nation.
The diverse program fostered dialogue and the exchange of experiences among members of the diaspora currently living in Portugal, France, Italy, Luxembourg and Senegal.
Day 1, at the Association of Former Students of Secondary Education of Cape Verde, featured a presentation by members of the association.
Days 2 and 3 were held at the Cape Verde Cultural Center. The minister of communities of Cape Verde, Hon. Jorge Santos, gave a speech, followed by the online keynote address by Cape Verde’s president, H.E. José Maria Neves.
Another high point was the address by the Hon. Madalena Neves, the ambassador of Cape Verde to Portugal. Presentations also were given by representatives of the High Commission for Migration of Portugal, the Camões I.P. Portuguese Institute for Cooperation and Language, and the International Organization for Migration of Portugal.
The approximately 60 attendees were invited to join one of five thematic groups, to present and discuss proposals for action in 2023/24. This marked the beginning of a significant collaborative effort within the diaspora.
UPF joined the group on education and culture. Discussions revolved around:
Promoting Cape Verdean and African history in schools.
Affirmation of the Cape Verdean language.
Mapping human resources in the education sector.
Information and support for students and graduates in the Cape Verdean diaspora.
The role of parents and guardians in the education of future generations.
Many action plans were approved, including UPF’s proposed projects related to youth education. These include citizenship and character education, gender and sexual education, youth empowerment, and interreligious dialogue.
Other groups discussed local development, sports and health, social affairs and international relations, and event management.
The meeting concluded with a convivial dinner at the oldest Cape Verdean association in Portugal, which was celebrating its 53rd anniversary. It featured a performance by Lura, a renowned Portuguese singer of Cape Verdean descent.
The meeting laid the foundation for future collaboration within the Cape Verdean diaspora.
