As part of the week of April 25, commemorating the Carnation Revolution, we had the honor of welcoming a direct witness of the Salazar dictatorship in Portugal. This pivotal event in modern Portuguese history took on a concrete dimension through the presence of this individual, whose testimony brought to life a period often studied in a more abstract way in class.
First-year Portuguese students had the opportunity to interview this guest, leading to a rich and moving exchange. Their interest in this foundational moment of Portuguese history was evident, as was their emotion in hearing the personal story of someone who lived through that time with courage and clarity. History, in this context, took on a human face—reminding us that great social transformations are carried by individual lives.
We are keenly aware of how fortunate we are to offer such experiences to our students. These encounters deepen their thinking, sharpen their historical awareness, and help them develop a critical perspective on the past. Guiding young people through this awakening also means giving them tools to better understand the world today.
