Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies / en Cape Verdean Connection /stories/2025/cape-verdean-connection <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Cape Verdean Connection </span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/hharrisbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>HHARRIS@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-06-20T15:18:52-04:00" title="Friday, June 20, 2025 - 15:18" class="datetime">Fri, 06/20/2025 - 15:18</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><span>Former Cabo Verde president praises BSU partnership&nbsp;</span></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2025-06-24T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">June 24, 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Heather Harris Michonski </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><span>At age 91, former Cabo Verde President and Prime Minister Pedro Pires recently traveled to visit 福利天堂专注精品福利 where he reflected on his pivotal role in securing Cabo Verde鈥檚 independence and the nation-building journey that followed. &nbsp;</span></p><p><span>This year marks the 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the African archipelago鈥檚 becoming an independent nation.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>When introducing Pires to the audience that included faculty, staff, students, alumni and local elected officials, <strong>Vinny DeMacedo</strong>, senior advisor for external relations, shared how humbled he was to welcome Pires to campus.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>&nbsp;鈥淚 am a proud Cape Verdean; I was born there in 1965. To have the opportunity to be part of hosting President Pires here at BSU, it鈥檚 an honor for me,鈥 DeMacedo said.</span></p><p><span>Pires served as prime minister from 1975-1991. He was instrumental in securing independence from Portugal and helped usher in multi-party elections.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Pires also served as president of Cabo Verde from 2001 to 2011. During his tenure he focused on economic development and political stability. Pires also built a relationship with BSU and credits the university for supporting his country鈥檚 development and creating connections with Cabo Verdeans living in southeastern Massachusetts.</span></p><p><span>鈥淲e鈥檝e aspired here on campus, to be the 11<sup>th</sup> island of Cabo Verde,鈥 BSU President <strong>Frederick Clark Jr</strong>., 鈥83, said. 鈥淲e understand that we serve, in large part, as a bridge. That bridge, appropriately, begins here at Bridgewater. Our partnership is 23 years old. It鈥檚 a very special relationship with the country and university.鈥&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>In 2014, the Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies, an academic institute focused on Cabo Verde, was established at Bridgewater State.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Former BSU President <strong>Dana Mohler-Faria</strong> shared how much it meant to him to be part of the collaboration and installation of the institute. &nbsp;</span></p><p><span>鈥淭hat vision was fulfilled by both the university and by Cabo Verde. We have achieved incredible accomplishments both here at the university in the United States and in Cabo Verde as a result of that relationship,鈥 Mohler-Faria said.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Journalist Gunga Tavares translated to the audience Pires鈥檚 wisdom, and what it takes to be an effective leader.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>鈥淐ommunication is important. We have to not only communicate with each other, but also be respectful,鈥 Pires said. 鈥淔or you to be a revolutionary, you have to be honest, that鈥檚 the simple condition. You must be ethical.</span></p><p><span>鈥淪ome people do not have a commitment, instead of serving their country they use their country鈥t鈥檚 a matter of choice. It can fail if you don鈥檛 have ethics in what you鈥檙e fighting for.鈥</span></p><p><span>Pires also stressed that working together towards a common goal leads to success.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>鈥淭here is a philosophy in politics, that you should only add or multiply, never subtract or divide,鈥 Pires said. 鈥淭hink. Talk. Find a consensus. Humanity is diverse. Society should include everyone. Share in dialogue, that is how we can build the future.鈥</span></p><p><span>During the June 20 event, BSU Board of Trustee Chairperson <strong>Michael Taylor</strong> presented Pires with an honorary degree from the university.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>鈥淲e are forever grateful for your longstanding support of 福利天堂专注精品福利,鈥 Taylor said. 鈥淵ou have enthusiastically embraced our growing international collaboration which benefits Cabo Verdean and American students alike. You recognize BSU鈥檚 role in supporting your country鈥檚 development and forging connections with the large concentration of Cabo Verdeans living in southeastern Massachusetts.鈥</span></p><p><span>Pires thanked the university for the honor and shared one last message.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>鈥淲e are all human beings and no matter how strong we are, no matter how courageous, you cannot survive alone,鈥 he said. 鈥淭his recognition is comforting. Recognition gives you more strength and stamina to think and reflect, how can I do more?鈥</span></p><p><em>Do you have a BSU story to share? Email </em><a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu"><em>stories@bridgew.edu</em></a>.</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/pedro_pires_photo_.webp 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/pedro_pires_photo_.webp 705w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="470"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/pedro_pires_photo_.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/pedro_pires_photo_.jpg 705w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="470"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/pedro_pires_photo_.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/pedro_pires_photo_.jpg 705w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/pedro_pires_photo_.jpg" alt="A man sits holding a microphone smiling and talking "> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--320731 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-320731"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><span>Some people do not have a commitment, instead of serving their country they use their country鈥t鈥檚 a matter of choice. It can fail if you don鈥檛 have ethics in what you鈥檙e fighting for.</span></p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Pedro Pires </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/pedro-pires-institute-cape-verdean-studies" aria-label="Related stories tagged Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies" hreflang="en">Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 20 Jun 2025 19:18:52 +0000 HHARRIS@bridgew.edu 333696 at Mark Costa Reflects on Travel Course to Cabo Verde /stories/2024/mark-costa-reflects-travel-course-cabo-verde <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Mark Costa Reflects on Travel Course to Cabo Verde</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/eosullivanbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype content="EOSULLIVAN@bridgew.edu">EOSULLIVAN@bri鈥</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-05-30T16:53:13-04:00" title="Thursday, May 30, 2024 - 16:53" class="datetime">Thu, 05/30/2024 - 16:53</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Mark Costa, 鈥24, is third generation Cape Verdean and has never had occasion to visit the island nation.</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2023-06-10T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">June 10, 2023</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Karen Booth </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><strong>Mark Costa,</strong> 鈥24, is third generation Cape Verdean and has never had occasion to visit the island nation. So, it is not surprising that in January 2024, when Dr. Hayes-Bohanan led a travel course to Cabo Verde, he seized the opportunity to join. It was not only a chance to acquaint himself with the land of his heritage, but also to learn more about environmental geography and sustainability as Hayes-Bohanan employed coffee growing as one way to learn about the environment.</p><p>When asked his biggest takeaway from his experience, Mark said, 鈥淔ogo is such a small island, and the environment varies 鈥 the soil, the weather, the vegetation, everything. One of the key factors driven home to us was how many circumstances must go right for coffee to grow there in the first place. If any one of these factors were to change even a little bit, the impact on coffee would be disastrous.鈥</p><p>Mark鈥檚 first experience upon landing in Cabo Verde was being whisked to the Cabo Verdean Parliament in the capital city of Praia. Members of Parliament talk with the students about climate change and its impact. 鈥淭his was very informative and a huge opportunity for us. Parliamentarians took the time to talk with us, ask questions,鈥 he said, sharing key things about Cabo Verde.</p><p>When asked to describe the travel course, he said, 鈥淚 would describe it as one of the most informative trips I鈥檝e ever been on. It opened my eyes in a lot of ways as to how I, as a geography major, must think spatially. With the scale of the island, everything changes.鈥 With those changes comes a shift in perspective and a need for creative solutions to existing challenges. The land mass is small; resources, limited; weather unpredictable. All these factors, he said, must be taken into consideration.</p><p>As a third-generation Cape Verdean who has heard stories about the islands all his life, Mark found his visit to Cabo Verde enlightening. 鈥淎lthough I鈥檇 never been to Cape Verde, there were aspects of the trip that felt familiar to me,鈥 he said, clearly appreciative of all he saw and learned.</p><p>A 2024 graduate, Mark Costa is beginning his professional journey and is looking into land surveying as a strong career option.</p><p><a href="/center/capeverdeanstudies/alumni-insights">Read more Notable Cape Verdean Alumni +</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--233441 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-233441"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>[Dr. Hayes-Bohanan鈥檚 travel course] opened my eyes in a lot of ways as to how I, as a geography major, must think spatially.鈥</p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Mark Costa '24 </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subtext field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Major: Geography </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/alumni-profile" aria-label="Related stories tagged Alumni Profile" hreflang="en">Alumni Profile</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/pedro-pires-institute-cape-verdean-studies" aria-label="Related stories tagged Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies" hreflang="en">Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 30 May 2024 20:53:13 +0000 EOSULLIVAN@bridgew.edu 252451 at Benvinda Cardoso Butler: From Cabo Verde to Dorchester, U.S.A. /stories/2024/Benvinda-Cardosa-Butler%3AFrom-Cabo-Verde-to-Dorchester <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Benvinda Cardoso Butler: From Cabo Verde to Dorchester, U.S.A.</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/eosullivanbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype content="EOSULLIVAN@bridgew.edu">EOSULLIVAN@bri鈥</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-05-30T16:42:05-04:00" title="Thursday, May 30, 2024 - 16:42" class="datetime">Thu, 05/30/2024 - 16:42</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Benvinda Cardoso Butler was born in Cabo Verde and raised on the island of Santiago until age 14 when her family emigrated to the United States and settled in Dorchester.</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2023-05-27T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">May 27, 2023</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Karen Booth </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><strong>Benvinda Cardoso Butler</strong> was born in Cabo Verde and raised on the island of Santiago until age 14 when her family emigrated to the United States and settled in Dorchester. In 2006, when she had the opportunity to join BSU鈥檚 Sustainability Tour to Cabo Verde, she didn鈥檛 hesitate.</p><p>Butler saw joining the tour both as a 鈥減ersonal opportunity to return home鈥 and an unexpected educational journey. Neither disappointed. Of the tour, she said, 鈥淚 would give it a 10 out of 10, because it incorporated the cultural aspect of the islands with sustainability.</p><p>鈥淎s far as my personal journey back home is concerned, it was rewarding and nostalgic. When I landed, I immediately felt the serene, relaxed environment where time slowed down, allowing me to truly savor a world of tranquility, the natural beauty of my home island, the traditional foods, and the close-knit community that felt like family.鈥</p><p>Benvinda graduated from BSU with a degree in Social Work in 2008 and earned her MBA with a concentration in healthcare management at Cambridge College in 2016. Today, she is the Community Outreach Manager at Peabody Resident Services Inc. (PRSI). Her responsibilities include managing all PRSI鈥檚 homecare program referrals along with coordinating outreach events with PRSI鈥檚 contracted health plans.</p><p>鈥淎 big part of the Cape Verdean culture is family and community,鈥 said Benvinda who, not surprisingly, chose not only a career path that embraces these values, but also a university that lives those same values.</p><p>When Benvinda reflected on her Bridgewater experience, she said she found a 鈥渉ome away from home.鈥 She found family and the fellowship of a caring community that reflects the familial culture found in Cabo Verde, similar to what she found in the Dorchester and Brockton diaspora. Graduating from Bridgewater, however, did not end her relationship with the university community. 鈥淚 actually never left,鈥 she said.</p><p>After graduating, Benvinda became a member of the Afro-Am Alumni Association. She served as vice president from 2014 to 2016, and was elected president in 2018, serving two terms. Currently, she is a member of the Bridgewater Alumni Association鈥檚 Board of Directors.</p><p>In her 鈥渟pare鈥 time, she volunteers with the several of the university events, on and off campus: Dress a Girl Around the World, BSU Bear Essentials Clothing Drive, Kente Cloth, MLK Day events, and service projects sponsored by the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice.</p><p>鈥淏ridgewater has opened doors for me,鈥 she said. 鈥淗ad I not attended BSU, I don鈥檛 know what my future would look like.</p><p>鈥淎nd today, I still have the continuum of support from folks on campus; they are my extended family.鈥</p><p><a href="/center/capeverdeanstudies/alumni-insights">Read more Notable Cape Verdean Alumni +</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/benvinda.photo_.webp 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/benvinda.photo_.webp 705w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="1087"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/benvinda.photo_.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/benvinda.photo_.jpg 705w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="1087"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/benvinda.photo_.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/benvinda.photo_.jpg 705w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/benvinda.photo_.jpg" alt="Benvinda Butler"> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--233441 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-233441"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>BSU has shaped the woman I am today.鈥</p> </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Benvinda Cardoso Butler '08 </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subtext field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Major: Social Work </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/alumni-profile" aria-label="Related stories tagged Alumni Profile" hreflang="en">Alumni Profile</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/pedro-pires-institute-cape-verdean-studies" aria-label="Related stories tagged Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies" hreflang="en">Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 30 May 2024 20:42:05 +0000 EOSULLIVAN@bridgew.edu 252446 at Donzilia Soares' Journey: Cabo Verde to BSU and Home Again /stories/2023/donzilia-soares-journey-cabo-verde-bsu-and-home-again <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Donzilia Soares' Journey: Cabo Verde to BSU and Home Again</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/eosullivanbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype content="EOSULLIVAN@bridgew.edu">EOSULLIVAN@bri鈥</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2023-05-27T14:17:15-04:00" title="Saturday, May 27, 2023 - 14:17" class="datetime">Sat, 05/27/2023 - 14:17</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Donzilia Soares knew from a very early age she wanted to teach 鈥 not only as a fulfilling profession for herself, but also to give back to her country.&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2023-05-27T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">May 27, 2023</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Karen Booth </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p><strong>Donzilia Soares</strong> grew up on the island of Santo Antao, Cabo Verde. The island is approximately 27-miles long and 15-miles wide and is described as having 鈥渟tunning mountainous regions, beautiful vistas, and many hiking trails.鈥 How Soares got from Santo Antao to Bridgewater is a story of focus and determination.</p> <p>Soares knew from a very early age she wanted to teach 鈥 not only as a fulfilling profession for herself, but also to give back to her country. Her biggest challenge: extreme shyness. Undeterred, she pursued her goal with steadfast resolve.</p> <p>Fast forward.</p> <p>After earning her bachelor鈥檚 degree from Uni-CV in 2011, she set her sights on obtaining a master鈥檚 degree, which would allow her to teach at the university level. When she learned about the opportunity to study at Bridgewater, she applied and was accepted. Tamping down her shyness, she ramped up her courage, set out for America, and hasn鈥檛 looked back.</p> <p>At the risk of oversimplifying her many-sided journey, Soares earned two degrees at Bridgewater 鈥 a master鈥檚 degree in pre-K-12 education in 2014, and a second degree in Professional Leadership. Upon her return to Cabo Verde, she secured a position teaching English to pre-service students Uni-CV.</p> <div data-embed-button="media_entity_embed" data-entity-embed-display="view_mode:media.image_280w" data-entity-embed-display-settings="[]" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="feaf68ed-4095-41ab-a587-94617df7525d" data-langcode="en" class="align-left embedded-entity"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="blazy blazy--field blazy--field-media-image blazy--field-media-image--image-280w field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden c-portrait-image field__items" data-blazy> <div class="field__item"> <div data-b-token="b-634a219544e" class="media media--blazy media--image is-b-loading"><img alt="Donzilia Soares" decoding="async" class="media__element b-lazy" loading="lazy" data-src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/280w/public/media/images/Donzilia%20Soares4.JPG" src="/sites/bridgew/files/media/images/image-loading.gif"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h3>How did Soares鈥 BSU experience influence her?</h3> <p>Soares described her Bridgewater experience as 鈥渆nlightening, eye-opening, and exciting.</p> <p>鈥淲hat really impressed me at Bridgewater was the way my professors taught,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he way classes were organized. The way my professors interacted with me. And the freedom I had to interact with them. They were all super supportive and available.鈥</p> <p>Soares credits Bridgewater with not only teaching methodology, but also with modeling the importance of creating relationships with students.</p> <p>鈥淏ridgewater helped me to negotiate with my students. To understand they also have a voice,鈥 she said. 鈥淎t Bridgewater, I learned my responsibility as a teacher is to learn different things about my students and try to meet the needs of each.</p> <p>鈥淏ridgewater has had a lasting effect on me and is a huge part of the professional I am today and what I do. I am very grateful.鈥</p> <h3>What was Soares鈥 professional trajectory post BSU?</h3> <p>Soares returned to Cabo Verde with her master鈥檚 in Pre-K 鈥 12 and a second master鈥檚 in professional leadership, both from Bridgewater. She quickly secured a position teaching English to pre-service students at Uni-CV.</p> <p>鈥淭oday, I teach a writing class for English majors, and a writing class in English for specific purposes,鈥 she said, meaning, for example, teaching English for psychology or medical students.</p> <p>鈥淚 have the best job in the world,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 do something I enjoy and have the possibility to do something positive for the people I teach.鈥</p> <p><strong>Director of the Dana Mohler-Faria English Language Institute, Uni-CV </strong></p> <p>After several years teaching, Soares鈥 professional trajectory propelled her into the position of director of the Dana Mohler-Faria English Language Institute at Uni-CV. She continues to teach part time.</p> <p>The main goal of the Dana Mohler-Faria English Language Institute "is to promote the English language through a number of activities including, among other things, book clubs, social media, and organized workshops."</p> <p><strong>Professor of English, English Language Learning School (ELL), Cabo Verde </strong></p> <p>Soares also teaches at the English Language Learning (ELL) School, founded by her colleague Professor Zita Mendes G'13. 鈥淥ur goal is to offer the best service we can and to continue to contribute for the best of our country,鈥 said Soares.</p> <p>At the ELL school, unlike other schools which cater only to adult learners, students as young as four-years old also attend classes.</p> <p><strong>Candidate for her Ph. D </strong></p> <p>In her 鈥渟pare time,鈥 Soares pursued her Ph.D in teaching language. Her thesis project involved developing a professional development model for teachers already in the classroom.</p> <p>鈥淢y question was, 鈥楬ow can we offer professional development for in-service teachers?鈥 Because, basically, teachers graduate, and they start teaching,鈥 said Soares. 鈥淲e do not have a framework for professional development.</p> <p>鈥淪o, I looked for effective teaching practices and worked with English teachers in the community. My Ph.D focused on creating a professional development model designed not only to help teachers to continuously improve, but also that could be applied across the country.</p> <p>鈥淲e are well on the way to doing our best to help with the development of our country through language.鈥</p> <p><a href="/center/capeverdeanstudies/alumni-insights">Read more Notable Cape Verdean Alumni +</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/donzilia_soares2_0.webp 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/donzilia_soares2_0.webp 705w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="529"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/donzilia_soares2_0.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/donzilia_soares2_0.jpg 705w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="529"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/donzilia_soares2_0.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/donzilia_soares2_0.jpg 705w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/donzilia_soares2_0.jpg" alt="Donzilia Soares G'14"> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--216691 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-216691"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> I have the best job in the world...I do something I enjoy and have the possibility to do something positive for the people I teach.鈥 </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Donzilia Soares G'14 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/alumni-profile" aria-label="Related stories tagged Alumni Profile" hreflang="en">Alumni Profile</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/pedro-pires-institute-cape-verdean-studies" aria-label="Related stories tagged Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies" hreflang="en">Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Sat, 27 May 2023 18:17:15 +0000 EOSULLIVAN@bridgew.edu 251226 at Paulo Borges' Journey: Cabo Verde to BSU and Home Again /stories/2023/paulo-borges-journey-cabo-verde-bsu-and-home-again <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Paulo Borges' Journey: Cabo Verde to BSU and Home Again</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/eosullivanbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype content="EOSULLIVAN@bridgew.edu">EOSULLIVAN@bri鈥</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2023-05-18T14:49:33-04:00" title="Thursday, May 18, 2023 - 14:49" class="datetime">Thu, 05/18/2023 - 14:49</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Paulo Borges defied all odds. The poverty he experienced as a child motivated him to rise above it and rise above it, he did.</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2023-05-18T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">May 18, 2023</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Karen Booth </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Borges grew up in a small town on the island of Santiago, the largest island on Cabo Verde. Known for its mountains, harbors and perfect weather, it鈥檚 a beautiful island, but its people are poor. The result: little to no opportunities to pursue higher education or professional development.</p> <p>He, however, managed to complete elementary and secondary school in his hometown. His journey from his 1998 high school graduation to English professor at Uni-CV was a circuitous one: several years teaching English at the high school level, several more studying and working in the tourism industry.</p> <p>By way of circuitous journeys, while at Uni-CV he learned of the opportunity to study for a semester at Bridgewater. He applied, was accepted, earned transfer credits, and returned home energized, his future a little clearer. He made his way back to Uni-CV, which is where he earned his bachelor鈥檚 in English.</p> <p>This renewed energy and clearer purpose led him to return to Bridgewater where he earned his Master of Arts in Teaching English in 2013. This degree opened the door to teaching at Uni-CV, which he viewed as an exciting opportunity to help his country move forward. Visit 鈥<a href="/center/capeverdeanstudies/alumni-insights" title="Cape Verdean Notable Alumni Insights">Insights</a>鈥 where Borges shares his passion for the Homeland.</p> <div data-embed-button="media_entity_embed" data-entity-embed-display="view_mode:media.image_280w" data-entity-embed-display-settings="[]" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="fe7ec4fd-9926-455d-8056-790ebc68b5be" data-langcode="en" class="align-left embedded-entity"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="blazy blazy--field blazy--field-media-image blazy--field-media-image--image-280w field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden c-portrait-image field__items" data-blazy> <div class="field__item"> <div data-b-token="b-54df853ce8c" class="media media--blazy media--image is-b-loading"><img alt="Paulo Borges poses with Uni-CV students in Cabo Verde" decoding="async" class="media__element b-lazy" loading="lazy" data-src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/280w/public/media/images/Pauo-Borges-p7.JPG" src="/sites/bridgew/files/media/images/image-loading.gif"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h3>How did Borges鈥 BSU experience influence him?</h3> <p>Thinking back to his Bridgewater experience, Borges pointed to Bridgewater President Fred Clark鈥檚 influence on his leadership style. 鈥淧resident Clark did one little thing that changed the way we [the CV students at BSU] see the world. He served us,鈥 said Borges. 鈥淗ow can a president serve us, the students? We were all stunned by that, and it taught me one big lesson: the bigger you are, the more you must serve.</p> <p>鈥淓verything I do today, I describe as serving people.鈥</p> <p>When asked about his overall BSU experience, Borges was clear. 鈥淐reativity,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 came back to Cabo Verde and started replicating what is done at Bridgewater.鈥</p> <p>He cited BSU鈥檚 Academic Achievement Center as a positive program to replicate and said that, while Uni-CV didn鈥檛 get to the point of creating a center, the principles of support were evident.</p> <p>His creativity manifested itself in the projects he initiated. 鈥淚 introduced the American Corner at Uni-CV and helped coordinate a Bridgewater student exchange program. Borges cites one exchange when 10 Uni-CV students traveled to Bridgewater for a two-week workshop. 鈥淲hen students come back from Bridgewater,鈥 he said, 鈥渢hey are not the same as when they left. Bridgewater has a tremendous impact.鈥</p> <p>According to the American Corner website, 鈥淭he U.S. has launched 245 American Corners in approximately 60 countries. American Corners serve as regional resource centers for information and programs highlighting American culture, history, current events, and government."</p> <p>Bridgewater鈥檚 impact is evident in the ways in which Bridgewater experiences are 鈥渉elping to turn Cabo Verde into a more competitive country,鈥 he said. 鈥淭he English language is an instrument of knowledge. The students who took part in that program are now participating in English in international conferences and workshops."</p> <p>As for himself, he said, 鈥淏ridgewater changed me as a person. Bridgewater made me more confident. I learned how to put into practice what I learned.</p> <p>鈥淚 learned how to deal with different kinds of people. More diverse people from different backgrounds from different countries. I feel who I am today, and my discoveries, my Bridgewater experience fulfilled all my needs.</p> <p>鈥淚 am Cape Verdean, but I have a big piece of Bridgewater in me.鈥</p> <h3>What was Borges鈥 professional trajectory post BSU?</h3> <p>Professor Borges earned his bachelor鈥檚 in English from the University of Cabo Verde (Uni-CV) and, in 2013, his Master of Arts in Teaching English from 福利天堂专注精品福利 (BSU).</p> <p>Professor of English at Uni-CV Paulo Borges wasted no time when he returned to Cabo Verde after earning his master鈥檚 degree at Bridgewater. He quickly secured a position teaching English as a Second Language at Uni-CV.</p> <p>Borges established the English Language Institute at Uni-CV and was its first director. In 2015, the Institute was renamed the Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria English Language Institute in honor of the former president of BSU who has been pivotal in establishing and growing the Bridgewater-Cabo Verde relationship over the past 20 years.</p> <p>The main goal of the Dana Mohler-Faria English Language Institute is to promote the English language through a number of activities including, among other things, book clubs, social media, and organized workshops.</p> <p>Borges stepped down from the directorship of the English Language Institute in 2022 when he accepted the position of coordinator of American Corner, a job that demands much time and creativity. He continues to teach at Uni-CV.</p> <p><a href="/center/capeverdeanstudies/alumni-insights">Read more Notable Cape Verdean Alumni +</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/pauo-borges-p4_0.webp 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/pauo-borges-p4_0.webp 705w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="470"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/pauo-borges-p4_0.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/pauo-borges-p4_0.jpg 705w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="470"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/pauo-borges-p4_0.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/pauo-borges-p4_0.jpg 705w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/pauo-borges-p4_0.jpg" alt="Paulo Borges G'13 teaching in Cabo Verde"> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--216691 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-216691"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Bridgewater changed me as a person. Bridgewater made me more confident. I learned how to put into practice what I learned.鈥 </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Paulo Borges G'13 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/alumni-profile" aria-label="Related stories tagged Alumni Profile" hreflang="en">Alumni Profile</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/pedro-pires-institute-cape-verdean-studies" aria-label="Related stories tagged Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies" hreflang="en">Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 18 May 2023 18:49:33 +0000 EOSULLIVAN@bridgew.edu 251231 at Erico Fortes' Journey: Cabo Verde to BSU and Home Again /stories/2023/erico-fortes-journey-cabo-verde-bsu-and-home-again <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Erico Fortes' Journey: Cabo Verde to BSU and Home Again</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/eosullivanbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype content="EOSULLIVAN@bridgew.edu">EOSULLIVAN@bri鈥</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2023-05-11T17:12:55-04:00" title="Thursday, May 11, 2023 - 17:12" class="datetime">Thu, 05/11/2023 - 17:12</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>Erico Fortes knew from an early age that electronics was his future. Not that he knew how. He just knew.</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2023-05-11T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">May 11, 2023</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Karen Booth </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>And he knew education was key. However, the journey from early schooling to university could be challenging in Cabo Verde. Fortes welcomed the challenge and embraced his opportunities. He believed if he worked hard, he would succeed. So, he worked hard. And excelled.</p> <p>The short story is that after completing his early education, Fortes chose to attend technical school, graduating with a degree in electricity and electronics in 2007. In 2008, he enrolled in the University of Cabo Verde (Uni-CV), majored in engineering and computer science, and graduated in 2013. He applied for and was accepted into the master鈥檚 program at Bridgewater, graduating with his master鈥檚 in computer science in 2016.</p> <p>While on paper his journey appears straightforward, his success required tenacity and demonstrates that goals can be reached no matter the challenges.</p> <p>Fortes credits Uni-CV with giving him the foundation in electronics that prepared him for his advanced studies at Bridgewater.</p> <p>He credits Bridgewater with many life-changing things, top among them validating his lifelong interest in drones. At BSU, with the help of his professor, he built his own drone and turned it into his thesis project.</p> <p>鈥淚n Cabo Verde we have deforestation, soil erosion, and lack of water,鈥 said Fortes. 鈥淲e came up with this idea of using drones for agriculture and reforestation purposes.鈥 However, he said, 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 want just to finish my project, I wanted to develop something that would help my country.鈥</p> <p>When Fortes returned to Cabo Verde, he not only secured a teaching position at Uni-CV, he also founded PrimeBotics, a company producing custom made drones 鈥渇or agriculture and reforestation purposes.鈥</p> <div data-embed-button="media_entity_embed" data-entity-embed-display="view_mode:media.image_360x500" data-entity-embed-display-settings="[]" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="25779c0e-94e9-4752-bc08-7b31974c4e14" data-langcode="en" class="align-left embedded-entity"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden c-portrait-image field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/tall_image_large_desktop/public/media/images/337196499_921404592504321_7589287338635697879_n.webp?h=ea37fd9b 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/webp" width="360" height="500"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/tall_image_desktop/public/media/images/337196499_921404592504321_7589287338635697879_n.webp?h=ea37fd9b 1x" media="all and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/webp" width="295" height="410"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/tall_image_tablet/public/media/images/337196499_921404592504321_7589287338635697879_n.webp?h=ea37fd9b 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="487" height="676"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/tall_image_small/public/media/images/337196499_921404592504321_7589287338635697879_n.webp?h=ea37fd9b 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="375" height="512"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/tall_image_extra_/public/media/images/337196499_921404592504321_7589287338635697879_n.webp?h=ea37fd9b 1x" media="all and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/webp" width="279" height="388"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/tall_image_large_desktop/public/media/images/337196499_921404592504321_7589287338635697879_n.jpg?h=ea37fd9b 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/jpeg" width="360" height="500"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/tall_image_desktop/public/media/images/337196499_921404592504321_7589287338635697879_n.jpg?h=ea37fd9b 1x" media="all and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/jpeg" width="295" height="410"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/tall_image_tablet/public/media/images/337196499_921404592504321_7589287338635697879_n.jpg?h=ea37fd9b 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="487" height="676"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/tall_image_small/public/media/images/337196499_921404592504321_7589287338635697879_n.jpg?h=ea37fd9b 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="375" height="512"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/tall_image_extra_/public/media/images/337196499_921404592504321_7589287338635697879_n.jpg?h=ea37fd9b 1x" media="all and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="279" height="388"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/tall_image_large_desktop/public/media/images/337196499_921404592504321_7589287338635697879_n.jpg?h=ea37fd9b" alt="Erico Fortes flying an agricultural reforestation drone"> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h3>How did his BSU experience influence Erico?</h3> <p>Fortes described his Bridgewater experience in three words: 鈥淟ife changing; opportunity, and passion; Bridgewater had a really great impact on my life.鈥</p> <p>He said that faculty support was exceptional at Bridgewater. So, when Fortes became frustrated with his thesis drone project and was ready to give up, a heartfelt conversation with his professor 鈥渞echarged my batteries,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 was enthusiastic for my project again; I didn鈥檛 give up.</p> <p>鈥淕oing to Bridgewater was one of the best things that happened in my life, personally and professionally. When I talk about Bridgewater, I don鈥檛 just talk about formal education. I talk about the way of life, the opportunities, the possibilities to be a better student.</p> <p>鈥淢y colleagues and I would say, 鈥楢t Bridgewater, you don鈥檛 succeed if you don鈥檛 want to succeed.鈥 We were there. We were given this opportunity. Bridgewater has all the resources. You have all the help that you need to be successful.鈥</p> <p>While at Bridgewater, Fortes worked in the Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies (PPICVS). 鈥淚 learned more about Cape Verdean culture in my few months there than my entire life in Cabo Verde,鈥 he said. 鈥淭his work that the Institute is doing is very important.鈥</p> <p>Bottom line, said Fortes, 鈥淵ou know when you feel so powerful in a good way that 鈥榊es, I鈥檓 in the right place. I have all these opportunities. I will grab them; I want to do something great.鈥</p> <h3>What was Erico鈥檚 professional trajectory post BSU?</h3> <p><strong>Professor of Computer Science, Uni-CV </strong><br> Fortes鈥 first career move when he returned to Cabo Verde was to secure a professorship at Uni-CV, teaching computer science.</p> <p><strong>Scientific Director at the House of Science </strong><br> Three years later, he was appointed scientific director at the House of Science.</p> <p><strong>President of the House of Science </strong><br> Two years after that, he was promoted to president of the House of Science.&nbsp;</p> <div> <div> <div> <h5><span class="fontawesome-icon-inline"><span></span>&nbsp;</span> The House of Science</h5> </div> <div> <div>The House of Science is a bridge between the university and Cabo Verdean Educational Society. Students come to Uni-CV and participate in activities related to biology, physics, chemistry, geology, and technology. In one year, said Fortes, more than 11,000 students participated in the program.</div> </div> </div> </div> <style>text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 2px #05396B dotted; </style> <p><strong>Founder, PrimeBotics </strong><br> Then there is Fortes鈥 founding of PrimeBotics 鈥 a direct result of his years at Bridgewater 鈥 the project he never gave up on. PrimeBotics produces custom made drones 鈥渇or agriculture and reforestation purposes.鈥 Visit 鈥淎lumni Entrepreneurs鈥 to learn how PrimeBotics aids farming in Cabo Verde.</p> <p>Additionally, and because of the university鈥檚 lack of resources in terms of producing materials for schools, Fortes is training teachers to use 3D printing technology to generate those materials. He is also teaching a group of teachers about the fundamentals of robotics so they can develop simple programs and small robots for educational purposes.</p> <p>Through it all, Erico continues teaching.</p> <p><strong>Recognition </strong></p> <p>In 2021, Professor Enrico Pinheiro Fortes was nominated as one of the 100 Most Influential Black Personalities in Lusophony.</p> <p><a href="/center/capeverdeanstudies/PPICVS-alumni-entrepreneurs-erico-fortes">Read more at Alumni Entrepreneur: Erico Fortes to learn how PrimeBotics aids farming in Cabo Verde +</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/imagem_whatsapp_2023-11-15_as_16.29.14_e2a8dd08_0.webp 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/imagem_whatsapp_2023-11-15_as_16.29.14_e2a8dd08_0.webp 705w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="397"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/imagem_whatsapp_2023-11-15_as_16.29.14_e2a8dd08_0.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/imagem_whatsapp_2023-11-15_as_16.29.14_e2a8dd08_0.jpg 705w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="705" height="397"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/imagem_whatsapp_2023-11-15_as_16.29.14_e2a8dd08_0.jpg 470w, /sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/imagem_whatsapp_2023-11-15_as_16.29.14_e2a8dd08_0.jpg 705w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/imagem_whatsapp_2023-11-15_as_16.29.14_e2a8dd08_0.jpg" alt="Erico Fortes and his drone"> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--216691 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-216691"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> I didn鈥檛 want just to finish my project, I wanted to develop something that would help my country.鈥 </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Erico Fortes G'16 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/alumni-profile" aria-label="Related stories tagged Alumni Profile" hreflang="en">Alumni Profile</a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/pedro-pires-institute-cape-verdean-studies" aria-label="Related stories tagged Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies" hreflang="en">Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 11 May 2023 21:12:55 +0000 EOSULLIVAN@bridgew.edu 251191 at Enduring Partnership /stories/2023/enduring-partnership <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Enduring Partnership</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang about="/users/bbensonbridgewedu" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>BBENSON@bridgew.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2022-12-30T14:59:23-05:00" title="Friday, December 30, 2022 - 14:59" class="datetime">Fri, 12/30/2022 - 14:59</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-short-description-v2 field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Alumna's English language school impresses BSU delegation visiting Cabo Verde </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <time datetime="2023-01-05T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">January 5, 2023</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-article-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> Brian Benson, G'23 </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <p>When <strong>Zita Vieira Mendes</strong>, G鈥13, began teaching young Cabo Verdeans the English language seven years ago, she served 15 students. Today, the organization she started is working with about 400 youngsters.</p> <p>Mendes provides English instruction that is unavailable in the African nation鈥檚 public and private schools, and she credits her graduate studies in education at 福利天堂专注精品福利 with inspiring her to act.</p> <p>鈥淚 came back eager to do more and do better,鈥 said Mendes, who attended Bridgewater on a scholarship that is a result of the longstanding partnership between BSU and her undergraduate institution, the University of Cabo Verde. 鈥淚 can never pay that back, but somehow I will pay it forward.鈥</p> <p>People on the 10-island archipelago predominately speak Portuguese and Cabo Verdean Creole. But English is essential to the country鈥檚 development.</p> <p>On a recent trip to Cabo Verde, BSU administrators toured her organization, which is called ELL CV and located in the capital of Praia. Legislative, municipal, and business officials from Massachusetts communities with large Cabo Verdean populations joined the trip, which celebrated 20 years of collaboration between Bridgewater and Cabo Verde.</p> <p>The local delegation met with Cabo Verdean President Jos茅 Maria Pereira Neves, who came to BSU in September. The tour also included a visit to the University of Cabo Verde, which BSU helped establish in 2006. The U.S. contingent also explored an agriculture system that uses minimal water and soil.</p> <p>鈥淎t the heart of the partnership really is our students and our graduates,鈥 said President <strong>Frederick W. Clark, Jr.</strong>, 鈥83, noting about 200 people from Cabo Verde have earned degrees or completed leadership development at BSU. 鈥淲e have alumni in Cabo Verde making an incredible difference for the country.鈥</p> <p>Mendes is one shining example of the impact Bridgewater graduates are having, Clark said.</p> <div data-embed-button="media_entity_embed" data-entity-embed-display="view_mode:media.full" data-entity-embed-display-settings="[]" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="998d2a53-861f-4cde-b92f-bcaa69800cc7" data-langcode="en" class="align-right embedded-entity"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="blazy blazy--field blazy--field-media-image blazy--field-media-image--full field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden c-portrait-image field__items" data-blazy> <div class="field__item"> <div data-b-token="b-ae92f06c48b" class="media media--blazy media--image is-b-loading"><img alt="Zita Mendes, wearing a black BSU shirt, poses with members of the delegation." decoding="async" class="media__element b-lazy" loading="lazy" data-src="/sites/bridgew/files/media/images/cvgroup.jpg" src="/sites/bridgew/files/media/images/image-loading.gif"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>In addition to working with children, ELL CV offers translation services and programming for adults. Mendes, who also teaches at the University of Cabo Verde and is working on earning a PhD in English education, developed a curriculum that other schools are using to offer English instruction to young students.</p> <p>鈥淓nglish is becoming more and more important,鈥 said <strong>Angelo Barbosa</strong>, director of BSU鈥檚 Pedro Pires Institute for Cabo Verdean Studies. 鈥淚t鈥檚 creating new opportunities to bring about investment and connections to the world.鈥</p> <p>Mendes praised Bridgewater professors for providing strategies to teach beyond the grammar and mechanics of a language and help students practice their skills orally.</p> <p>Those multilingual skills were on full display when the BSU delegation conversed in English with ELL CV children.</p> <p>鈥淭hey were asking hard questions and (students) were able to answer in the proper manner,鈥 Mendes said. 鈥淭hat was the most special moment.鈥</p> <p><em>Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email <a href="mailto:stories@bridgew.edu">stories@bridgew.edu</a>.</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-hide-featured field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> No </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="ckeditor-media-class"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image-9 field--type-image field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/cvtrip1.webp 470w" type="image/webp" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="470" height="265"> <source srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/cvtrip1.jpg 470w" type="image/jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" width="470" height="265"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_705/public/media/article_featured_image/cvtrip1.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (min-width: 768px) 33vw" src="/sites/bridgew/files/styles/article_featured_image_max_470/public/media/article_featured_image/cvtrip1.jpg" alt="BSU President Fred Clark high-fives a group of ELL CV students."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-testimonial field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section class="paragraph paragraph--type--testimonial paragraph---id--170866 scroll-reveal box1 paragraph--view-mode--default" aria-label="testimonial content id-170866"> <div class="media-wrapper"> <div class="media"> <div class="media-body"> <blockquote> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> At the heart of the partnership really is our students and our graduates. We have alumni in Cabo Verde making an incredible difference for the country. </div> </div> </blockquote> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> BSU President Frederick W. Clark, Jr., 鈥83 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline field__items"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/tags/pedro-pires-institute-cape-verdean-studies" aria-label="Related stories tagged Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies" hreflang="en">Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 30 Dec 2022 19:59:23 +0000 BBENSON@bridgew.edu 247781 at