Who is University for?

There was no one in my family who had graduated from a university! None of my friends or even acquaintances have a higher education! No one on my street, in my community!!

I hoped one day to be a Psychologist.

Many people tried to discourage me saying that University was not for the poor, I kept insisting! Where I studied, no classmate tried the university entrance exam.

Why not?

At the Pernambuco Federal University, (UFPE), I discovered that very few of the students were from public schools, like I was. The more professions are well paid, the fewer students from public schools are found at the University.

Few... Poor – Afro-descendant.  Little diversity.  Little Ethnicity!

When I joined UFPE I realised that it really seems made more for the rich than for the poor. The greater part of the Afro-descendants that I saw were cleaners, pedlars and security at the University. Very few Afro-descendants as teachers and students!

The Afro-descendant Movement - composed of students, teachers, civil servants and other social activists began to organise themselves to support greater social inclusion in higher education! We learned that Law is not a favour. It is Justice.

Justice Is Government of the People (Democracy)! It is the Common/Public Good above personal (private) interests. Republic means Public Thing. Doesn't  it?

Today, having graduated, I see a more plural, diverse, public university! New challenges are arising, new dreams are being realised.