More than 400 artists and intellectuals in defence of Portuguese Education Abroad

More than 400 artists and intellectuals have signed a manifesto in defense of the Portuguese Education Network Abroad (Ensino Português no Estrangeiro, or EPE). The initiative includes prominent figures from literature, music, film, and visual arts such as Lídia Jorge, Teolinda Gersão, José Luís Peixoto, Graça Morais, Sérgio Godinho, and Maria de Medeiros. Four recipients of the Camões Prize—Hélia Correia, João Barrento, Silviano Santiago, and Ana Paula Tavares—are also among the signatories.

The manifesto emphasizes the urgent need to reject the precariousness affecting the EPE network and calls for stability, recognition, and solidity in the careers of its professionals. These individuals often work under conditions deemed unsustainable and vulnerable. The signatories argue that the EPE network serves as a crucial platform for dialogue, exchange, and dissemination of Portuguese literature, art, and culture globally. They highlight the decisive role played by Readers and Teachers who daily promote Portuguese-language authors around the world.

According to the manifesto, the EPE network not only creates visibility for Portuguese literary and cultural production on a global scale but also builds bridges between writers, communities, countries, and diverse audiences. It notes that every day, somewhere on the planet, a Reader or Teacher from the EPE network organizes conferences, seminars, colloquia, and debates featuring Portuguese-language artists and authors. This ongoing effort has contributed significantly to the internationalization of Portuguese culture.

Despite a decreasing number of EPE centers each year and increasingly vulnerable working conditions for those employed there, these educators continue their meticulous and constant work in organizing travel, artistic residences, translations, and festivals. The manifesto praises them as artisans weaving a powerful yet fragile web of connections, collaborations, and bridges that make Portuguese cultures some of the most studied worldwide.

Additionally, the EPE network plays a vital role in connecting Portuguese communities abroad, facilitating reconnection with their roots. It ensures that descendants of Portuguese people scattered across the globe can access Portuguese literature, poetry, music, cinema, and other arts. Through this network, the Portuguese language continues to find new environments for creation, reflection, and appreciation worldwide.

All spaces within the EPE network are considered the most valuable asset of Portugal's cultural diplomacy globally. The signatories urge the government to recognize this value with serious investment, appreciation, and job stability. In times marked by historical uncertainties, humanitarian crises, and future doubts, they stress the importance of acknowledging the humanistic work carried out by the EPE network in promoting dialogue, reading, and the arts.

To ensure continued progress, it is essential that the merit of this work is recognized, and existing legal structures support these professionals, guaranteeing career stability and strong employment ties. The manifesto concludes with a call to the government to reconsider the proposed law regarding the Legal Framework for the Portuguese Education Network Abroad, rejecting both precarity and lack of serious commitment to investing in the EPE network and its professionals. Doing so, they argue, would be the most indispensable respect for the language that unites them.

As of now, the "Manifesto in Defense of the EPE Network: the first line of Portuguese diplomacy" has been signed by 441 personalities from the arts and universities around the world connected to Portuguese culture and language. Representatives of teacher unions and the government began negotiations on May 28 regarding the revision of the RJEPE framework, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE). Following the initial meeting, proposals presented by the government have faced challenges from teachers and their respective unions. Another meeting took place today, with another scheduled for July 13.