IPLWS in the News
Carlos César exorta as comunidades emigrantes a investirem na educação
Article originally posted on Acores.net
O presidente do Governo dos Açores disse hoje ser “absolutamente fundamental que a nossa comunidade veja a educação como o mais importante investimento que pode fazer no futuro”.
Carlos César falava no decorrer de uma visita ao Rhode Island College – em cuja população estudantil se contam muitos descendentes de emigrantes açorianos – e acrescentou que a educação não apenas ajuda a encontrar empregos mais bem remunerados e a alcançar melhores carreiras profissionais, como, igualmente, protege as pessoas e as suas famílias em tempo de crise, tornando mais fácil enfrentar a instabilidade e o desemprego.
Valorizando o papel que, nesse sentido, tem também desempenhado o Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies – contribuindo para a promoção e preservação das tradições culturais açorianas – sublinhou, no entanto, que os valores culturais são dinâmicos e não devem constituir-se como obstáculo à integração.
Para Carlos César, o Governo Regional tem um claro entendimento da importância de modernizar as relações dos Açores com as comunidades emigrantes e deseja ser um parceiro activo das jovens gerações de açor-americanos na sua aproximação aos valores culturais dos seus antepassados, incluindo a língua e as tradições, e ajudando-as na descoberta das suas raízes.
Realçando que os Açores de hoje são muito diferentes do que os Açores dos antepassados dos jovens a quem se dirigia, o presidente do Governo traçou o quadro da actualidade económica e social de uma região plenamente integrada num mundo globalizado e afirmou ser importante que eles possam aperceber-se disso pessoalmente, estreitando ainda mais os laços que unem o estado onde vivem à terra de origem dos seus ancestrais.
Considerou, por isso, que, sendo decisiva a mobilidade dos jovens, o incremento de cursos de verão quem tem sido feito com a Universidade dos Açores pode ser levado ainda mais longe, a ponto de consagrar um curso que sirva os interesses e as necessidades de açorianos e açor-americanos.
Entretanto, desejou “aos alunos que brevemente visitarão os Açores, participando no Curso de Verão, o maior proveito em termos formativos e também pessoais da experiência que vão ter, e que se constituam, sempre que puderem, em embaixadores da nossa Região, da nossa cultura e das nossas ambições.”
Hailing Cesar
Article originally posted on Ojornal.com
PROVIDENCE - Successful, spectacular and inspiring.
It wasn't all a show for Carlos Cesar - the President of the Regional Government of the Azores - during his first official visit to Rhode Island as he won the hearts and minds of those who he interacted with in his three-day stay.
Even on Memorial Day, Cesar drew a crowd, with 100 people present for his visit to the dual language (Portuguese-English, Spanish-English) K-5th grade International Charter School in Pawtucket.
"It was spectacular; it really motivated the students," said Dr. Julie Nora, the ICS Principal. "It is really a boost for the program to have him visit and validate what we are doing. It's very exciting, and the students were able to perform and showcase what they have learned."
At ICS, kindergarten students performed three songs, a fifth grader played a guitar and sang "Eu Gosto de Voce" and the third grade students made a poem out of each letter of Cesar's name.
Jumping a few grades, Cesar's visit to Rhode Island College was also equally exciting for its students.
"It was the first time that I saw him in person; the experience was amazing," said Sergio Nunes, a senior and one of the seven RIC students who will travel for a month long program studying Portuguese as foreign language, literature and culture in the islands of S. Miguel, Faial and Terceira.
"It was great; we are going to the Azores Islands, where this guy is the president and we got to meet him before going... it's just great. I would love to have the opportunity to meet him in the Azores," added Nunes.
Pilar Coelho, this year's President of the Day of Portugal in Rhode Island Committee and also a member of the advisory board at RIC's Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies, said that the president's visit to the campus and to the state was "really inspiring."
"The Azores by his representation seems to be interested in creating better relations between young people here and in the Azores," said Coelho. "He was very excited about what the students are going to be doing there and wanted to make sure that more students are invited in the near future."
Towards the end of Memorial Day, a reception on his behalf was held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Warwick organized by Casa dos Acores da Nova Inglaterra.
"Even with the cold and the long weekend, we were able to have here 200 people... it was a success," said CANI president Joao Pacheco. "It was very important to have him here."
The following day, Cesar visited Providence Mayor David Cicilline, and invited him to the Azores. The Mayor said that he looks forward to the trip.
"It was truly an honor to meet President Carlos Cesar and his wife, Luisa," said Cicilini. "Rhode Islanders who trace their roots to the Azores and Portugal continue to make important and lasting contributions to arts and culture, business and the civic life to our community."
State Representative Helio Melo, who was part of the Rhode Island delegation that met Cesar at the State House, said the visit was a great opportunity for him to express his concerns and ideas on improving the Azorean economy and matching it with the Rhode Island economy.
"He signed a sister state protocol with the governor, which reinforces the relation that the Azores have with the State of Rhode Island and vice-versa," said Melo. "We also discussed the oceanographic program in the Azores and our program at the University of Rhode Island and the possibility of the programs working in coordination with each other."
During the visit of Portuguese President Cavaco Silva to our region in 2007, State Senator Daniel Da Ponte approached Cesar and teased him by telling him that he only goes to Massachusetts.
Cesar chuckled.
Da Ponte followed up when Cesar won his reelection bid for his third term as President of the Azorean Regional Government. In Da Ponte's congratulatory letter, he invited him to visit the state.
"The group was impressed by what they saw and each visit he made was distinct in its own way," said Da Ponte. "We talked about someday celebrating the Day of the Azores here in Rhode Island, but nothing is confirmed."
RIC celebrates the Portuguese speaking world
International Charter School kindergarten class performs for the audience
Article originally posted on Ojornal.com
By: Maria José
5/1/2009
PROVIDENCE - If the Portuguese discoverers of the 15th century returned from their eternal voyage, they would certainly be pleased with the Portuguese-American youth of Rhode Island.
Last Sunday, the "younger crowd" put on display their proud heritage at the Rhode Island College campus.
The Lusophone World Festival was sponsored by the 2009 Day of Portugal committee of Rhode Island and the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies.
Marie R. Fraley, Associate Director of the Institute gave the welcome remarks and presented the ninth President of the College, Professor Nancy Carriuolo."Clearly, a college education is the path to a successful career," said Carriuolo. "The College is here at your disposal, and the Institute was created for the benefit of the many Portuguese that reside in the State of Rhode Island."
As in previous years, an art contest related to the Portuguese speaking world was held throughout the schools of the State of Rhode Island and the presentation of the awards was made by the President of the Day of Portugal 2009 Committee, Pilar Coelho.
A number of children saw their entries recognized.
On stage the kindergarten class of the International Charter School, under the direction of Helena Simoes-Oliveira, presented three dances entitled "Onde Está o U?" (Where is the U?), "Estátua" (Statue) and "Os Patinhos" (The Ducks).
The Portuguese School of the Casa do Açores da Nova Inglaterra, under the direction of its Pedagogical Director, Dr. Ermelinda C. Zito presented a traditional number "Fandango of Ribatejo". And three students of the Portuguese Social Club Portuguese School, Manuela Teixeira, Victoria Cabral and Jessica Almeida presented the folk song a cappella "Ó Ferreiro."
To finish the afternoon, the Folk Group Nine Island of East Providence, under the direction of Roberto Medeiros, danced four numbers typical of the Azores Islands.
The winners of the art contest include
Ages 5-7: Anna DeMenezes and Danny Peixinho, Julia Guthrie
Ages 8-18: Julia Ferreira, Logan Inocêncio and Leah Peixinho
Ages 11-13
Victoria Lopes, Daniel Batista and Vanessa Pereira
Ages 14-18:
Amanda DaSilva, Elisa Faria and Carly Pacheco
Honorable Mention: Emma Simas, Sarah Bonifacio, Alex Borges, Victoria Sousa, Diana Farinho, Briana Fernandes, Alyssa Peixinho, John Gooden, Chris Costa, Dannirae Ubiera, Hugo Rego, Richie Mourato, Jessica DeLemos, Allison Faria and Emily Branch.
The 12 winning drawings will be part of a 2010 calendar, as in previous years.
Theophilo Braga Club donates 200 books to RIC's Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies
Chairman Paul J. Tavares accepts books from Armando Medeiros, President of the Teofilo Braga Brotherhood, while past president Olimpio Medeiros looks on. Also present are advisory board members: (standing l to r) Paulo Silva, Olimpio Medeiros, Armando Medeiros, Chairman Tavares, Antonio Ambrosio, David Andrade, Marco Pais, (seated l to r) Paula Vazao Schiavone, Lisa Andrade Almeida, Pilar Coelho, Ermelinda Cordeiro Zito.
Article originally posted on Ojornal.com
By: Lurdes C. da Silva
3/20/2009
PROVIDENCE - Scholars and students interested in expanding their knowledge of the literature and culture of the Azores at Rhode Island College, just received a boost from the Theophilo Braga Brotherhood and Literary Club of East Providence.
Last week, the club donated more than 200 new books to RIC's Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies.
The manuscripts, which had been in storage for several years, were originally donated to the club by the former Office of Emigrations and Support to the Azorean Communities of the Regional Government of Azores.
"We wanted to make the books available to the Portuguese community, but we never came up with a suitable forum to do so," said Armando Medeiros, the club president.
So, the Brotherhood decided that the collection would serve a better use at the state's only Institute for Portuguese Studies at Rhode Island College, where they could be used and shared.
"We're happy to promote anything for the betterment and advancement of Portuguese American students," said Medeiros.
The titles donated cover a wide spectrum of subjects, including art, music, literature, politics, and cultural celebrations such as the Holy Ghost Feasts.
Medeiros presented the books to Paul J. Tavares, chairman of the Institute's Advisory Board, at a monthly board meeting held at the college on March 10. He was accompanied by his father, Olympio Medeiros, who also served as club president for 17 years.
The younger Medeiros said this "collaborative effort" is very fitting.
In his remarks, Medeiros stated that Teófilo Braga was not only the first president of the provisional government of the Republic of Portugal in 1911 but was also a scholar, professor of literature, author and ethnographer. He was recalled how the Teófilo Braga Brotherhood began as a literary organization paying homage to the scholar born in Ponta Delgada, S. Miguel.
"We're very proud to do this and look forward to work with RIC and other Portuguese departments," Medeiros told O Jornal.
RIC celebrates Portuguese legacy of service
Article originally posted on Ojornal.comPROVIDENCE - More than 150 prominent Luso-Americans gathered with their friends and family in the red, white and blue Donovan Dining Center at Rhode Island College last Saturday night.
The assembly paid homage and tribute to the Luso-American elected officials of the Rhode Island General Assembly. The Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies (IPLWS), an affiliate of the David E. Sweet Center for Public Policy, hosted the affair.
Marie R. Fraley, the Associate Director of IPLWS, greeted the audience and explained the purpose of the event.
"We are proud to salute members of the Luso-American community who have served at the state level," she said. "The level of Luso-American representation is comparable to that of its population in the state."
She also noted that this year marked the 50th anniversary of continuous service by Portuguese Americans from East Providence who served in the Senate of the Rhode Island General Assembly.
"This unique occurrence is a testament to civic participation worthy of special recognition and documentation," she added.
The IPLWS initiated and sponsored The Luso-American Elected Officials Oral History Project. Former Rhode Island General Treasurer, Paul J. Tavares, stepped out of retirement and launched this public education campaign. He coordinated and inspired an Oral History Committee that included: Mark T. Motte, the Assistant Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Director of IPLWS; Lisa Godinho, Assistant Professor of Portuguese and Program Director of IPLWS; Marlene Lopes, Associate Professor, Special Collections Librarian, James P. Adams Library; Patricia Nolin, Special Assistant to the President and Marie R. Fraley, Associate Director, IPLWS.
The Oral History Project has already identified 65 Luso-Americans of Portuguese, Cape Verdean or Brazilian ancestry who served in the Rhode Island General Assembly. Their stories and documents will be recorded and archived for future reference at the James P. Adams Library at RIC.
"The history and contributions of the Luso Americans have been an integral part of the rich fabric of Rhode Island State politics," said Tavares. "There have been 93 years of continuous Portuguese representation in the General Assembly starting in 1915 with the election of Representative James Martin from Newport."
The Speaking and Recognition Program honored the 14-member delegation of 10 representatives and 4 Senators. The Majority Leaders of the current RI Senate, Maria Teresa Paiva Weed and RI House of Representatives, Gordon Fox acknowledge their respective Portuguese and Cape Verdean ancestry.
The Legacy of Service Awards highlighted the careers of five notable figures from the Oral History Project: Gilbert T. Rocha, Associate Justice of Family Court, D-East Providence (1959-1966); William A. Castro, Senator and President Pro Tempore, D-Senate District 42 (1967-1983); John F. Correia, Senator and President Pro Tempore, D-Senate District 42 (1983-1992); Paul J. Tavares, General Treasurer, (1999-2006), D-Senate District 42 (1993-1998); and Daniel DaPonte, Senator, D-Senate District 14 (1999-present).
Collectively this group represents fifty years of continuous, Portuguese-American civic participation in the Rhode Island Senate. Several hours worth of interviews, reflections and stories were edited and condensed into a fifteen-minute summary of the lives and accomplishments of the honorees. The audience watched in hushed silence and erupted into applause at the conclusion of the premiere showing.
Following the awards ceremony, Tavares noted: "Tonight we singled out politics which is just one arena of accomplishment in our community. There are many others scattered about the 8 Portuguese parishes in Rhode Island. They are surrounded by more than 70 religious, fraternal and social organizations. Each and every one has their individual stories and a history to capture, preserve and share."
Tavares also expressed the hope that the Oral History Projects will inspire and encourage students to attend RIC, study Portuguese and celebrate their culture. He believes that the IPLWS can become a premiere academic center for many future projects.
"Our center at RIC is dedicated and committed to teaching the Portuguese language and cultural history to our students while providing a tremendous educational resource to their respective communities," he said.
Article source
Portuguese Institute receives over $145,000
The Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies at Rhode Island College received a huge financial boost with the announcement and presentation of a $97,000 federal appropriation from Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) at a reception at the President’s House on May 9.
A reception for the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies was held at the President’s House on May 9. From left are RIC President John Nazarian, John Lima, R.I. Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Peg Brown, vice president for development and college relations. Kennedy announced that the institute will receive a federal appropriation of $97,000; Lima, a Newport resident, donated $50,000 to the institute.
Page last updated: Wednesday, June 3, 2009
