On February 27, 2025, the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC) announced significant steps aimed at enhancing educational quality across the nation, recognizing new degree programs and extending its commitment to literacy initiatives.
One of the most noteworthy actions was the recognition of five new undergraduate courses at the Centro Universitário Una, located across three campuses primarily situated within the state of Minas Gerais. This was part of a larger announcement wherein 29 new educational programs were authorized nationwide. The new degree offerings include:
- Nursing at the Centro Universitário Una de Betim;
- Architecture and Urbanism at the Centro Universitário Una de Uberlândia;
- Computer Science at the Centro Universitário Una de Uberlândia;
- Nutrition at the Centro Universitário Una de Uberlândia;
- Physical Therapy at the Faculdade Una de Itabira.
Meanwhile, the municipality of Osasco has been awarded the National Commitment to Literacy Seal, achieving the Gold category. This recognition, presented on February 10, 2025, acknowledges the city's significant efforts to implement public policies for ensuring timely literacy. President Luiz Ignácio Lula da Silva and Education Minister Camilo Santana graced the ceremony with their presence. Cláudio Piteri, the Secretary of Education for Osasco, highlighted the collective dedication of the educational professionals: "This recognition reflects the commitment of our teachers and the seriousness with which we address literacy. Our aim is to continue advancing, ensuring each student has access to excellent education from their early years."
This award is part of the National Commitment to Literacy Children (CNCA), spearheaded by the MEC to achieve the goal of ensuring at least 80% of Brazilian children are literate by the end of the second year of Elementary School by 2030.
On the financial aspect, the MEC has announced a 6% increase in the minimum salary for teachers, underscoring the government's continuing commitment to investing in its educators and improving overall educational standards.
Another significant initiative was the recent meeting hosted by the MEC aimed at reviewing and enhancing actions within the framework of the National Pact for Adult Education (Pacto EJA). This event took place on February 26 and 27, 2025, at the ministry's headquarters. The focus was on reinforcing the commitment to inclusive and quality education for all adults, fostering dialogue and cooperation among educational managers nationwide.
The gathering included 53 state coordinators and specialists who engaged with each other to discuss the current state of Adult Education (EJA) across Brazil and strategize on ways to improve educational policies. Mariângela Graciano, the General Coordinator of Adult Education at the MEC, emphasized, "This meeting marks the strengthening of ethical, political, didactic, and pedagogical ties aimed at enhancing adult education provision."
Discussion points included the integration of diverse sectors and stakeholders involved with EJA, as well as the necessity of coherent strategies to tackle the high rates of illiteracy—considered one of Brazil's significant social inequities. The coordinators shared insights, successes, and the challenges faced within their states, which were pivotal for formulating effective policies aimed at facilitating improvements.
Continued efforts to establish learning opportunities for adults were echoed by Jessé Dantas, the educational coordinator from the state of Acre, who expressed pride in the collaborative approach to overcoming obstacles and enhancing literacy among the adult population.
To boost the quality of facilities within the educational sector, the MEC has also announced the extension until March 31, 2025, for states and municipalities to respond to technical inquiries related to the National Pact for the Resumption of Works and Engineering Services dedicated to Basic and Vocational Education. This is the third extension of the deadline, which was initially set for February 28, 2025, reflecting the government’s emphasis on revitalizing incomplete educational structures.
Fernanda Pacobahyba, president of the National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE), remarked, "This is a unique opportunity we cannot afford to waste. This investment directly impacts the quality of education across the country." The initiative aims to advance 1,639 approved projects, with expectations of generating over 552,000 new full-time vacancies and 1.1 million new vacancies across public networks once completed.
The recent announcements from the MEC clearly indicate the government's focus on improving educational standards, accessibility, and inclusivity across Brazil. By establishing new educational programs, honoring municipalities excelling at literacy, adjusting teacher salaries, and recommitting to adult education, the MEC is taking significant steps toward fulfilling its mission of providing quality education for all.