The Bett Nordeste Conference, organized by Bett Brasil in partnership with Sinepe-PE, aims to explore “new approaches to learning,” with the goal of emphasizing the urgent need to rethink what, how, and why we teach, recognizing that shaping the future begins with transforming the way we educate. The event will take place on August 27 and 28 at the Recife Expo Center in Pernambuco. Admission is free, and registration can be completed here.

Among the program’s highlights are two inspiring talks that address the challenges of inclusion and innovation in schools in a sensitive yet powerful way: presentations by inclusion activist Raquel Cabral, mother of Marcello, who has Down syndrome; and by Spanish educator Xavier Aragay, president of Reimagine Education, recognized for leading international educational transformation projects.

For Raquel, her unconventional motherhood was a turning point. “It completely transformed my life. It made me a much better person, with a strong desire to help the world see everyone,” she says.

As the mother of a child with a disability, she says that the biggest obstacles aren’t her son’s condition, but society’s lack of empathy and understanding. “Often, what hurts isn’t my son’s condition, but the way society chooses to ignore it or treat it with indifference,” she says.

Her presentation at the Bett Nordeste Conference will focus precisely on the paths toward a truly inclusive education. Raquel argues that the starting point is to see the individual before the disability, understanding the uniqueness of each student. “We cannot view diversity as a problem. It must be recognized as a pedagogical principle,” she says.

To this end, she says, it is necessary to ensure effective pedagogical support, ongoing professional development for all school staff, active listening to families, physical accessibility, and a school culture that promotes respect and non-discrimination.

See also:

• The Bett Nordeste Conference will bring together experts in Recife to discuss new ideas and solutions for education
• Courage, Creativity, and Active Listening: Cris Sanches Discusses Reinventing the Classroom at Conexão Bett
• Bett UK 2026 Delegation: Registration Open for an Educational Immersion Program in London

Raquel also highlights inclusive practices that are already being implemented in some school systems and that could be adopted more widely, such as Specialized Educational Services (AEE), flexible curriculum adaptations, accessible communication, and initiatives that promote a safe and welcoming environment.

“Initiatives like the Bett Nordeste Conference are essential because inclusion depends on information. The more information there is, the less prejudice there is,” he says. “Speaking at an event of this magnitude is a catalyst for schools to truly understand that without inclusion, there is no education,” he concludes.

In the same spirit of provocation and inspiration, Aragay will bring to the event an approach focused on the urgency of innovation. As president of Reimagine Education, this educator currently works in 17 countries, helping schools and universities implement profound transformation processes.

In his view, the current moment calls for a strategic pause to reflect. “We are being called upon to lead this change. Education is the best tool for improving the world and helping our children and young people. If we, as educators, do not take on this role, others will,” he warns.

Aragay's lecture will present international methodologies and experiences that are reshaping the role of schools and classrooms, with a focus on the holistic development of students.

“My hope is to have a frank and direct dialogue with the participants. The most important thing is to pause, reflect, and discuss what is happening in schools, break free from the routine of daily life, and look toward the future,” he says.

Schedule

Featuring voices representing different aspects of educational transformation, Xavier Aragay will present the lecture “Are We Prepared to Lead the Educational Transformation That Awaits Us? Keys to Anticipating Innovation and Educational Change in a Changing World” on August 27 at 5:00 p.m. The lecture “There’s Room for Everyone in the World, ” by Raquel Cabral, will take place on August 28 at 4:00 p.m.

For more information about the schedule and registration, click here.

Share on social media: