At a ceremony last Tuesday, August 13, in Brasília (DF), the Minister of State for Education, Camilo Santana, swore in the 13 new members of the National Education Council (CNE). They represent civil society and are widely recognized in the fields of education, science, and culture. The event took place in the Anísio Teixeira Auditorium, located at the CNE headquarters, and was attended by various officials, including members of Congress, heads of organizations, and court officials. 

“You are joining us at a crucial moment, when our country needs to rebuild itself, reaffirm its principles, and pay close attention to educational needs. I am confident that, with the competence and dedication of the new council members, we will be able to make progress on these fronts, promoting an education that is truly a right for all Brazilians,” said the Minister of Education in his welcome address to the new members.  

According to Santana, the council’s work has been instrumental in driving progress in both basic and higher education. He emphasized that education is a government priority, aimed at ensuring that all Brazilians have access to a public, free, democratic, and high-quality education.

“The CNE is one of the key decision-making, regulatory, and advisory bodies essential for the formulation of educational policies that ensure public participation and the improvement of national education,” noted the Minister of Education.  

Santana also said that the CNE faces enormous challenges, such as evaluating and monitoring the National Education Plan (PNE), which has been submitted to Congress and is expected to be voted on later this year. Other points highlighted by the minister included the development of national guidelines for secondary education, the discussion on the quality of distance learning, and the regulation of higher education programs, such as medical school.  

New board members

The new members of the CNE will serve alongside nine others who were appointed in 2022 and whose terms run through 2026. In total, the body has 24 members, including 22 representatives from civil society and two ex officio members from the MEC (the secretaries of Basic Education and Higher Education). Meet the new members:

Basic Education Chamber

• Antonio Cesar Russi Callegari
• Cleonice Matos Rehem
• Gastão Dias Vieira
• Givânia Maria da Silva
• Heleno Manoel Gomes de Araújo Filho
• Israel Matos Batista
• Maria do Pilar Lacerda
• Mariana Lúcia Agnese Costa and Rosa

Higher Education Council

• Celso Niskier
• Ludhmila Abrahão Hajjar
• Maria Paula Dallari Bucci
• Mônica Sapucaia Machado
• Otávio Luiz Rodrigues Júnior

Read a brief profile of each board member here.

The National Education Council has regulatory, deliberative, and advisory responsibilities toward the Minister of Education in the performance of his or her duties, as well as responsibilities on behalf of the federal government in matters of education. The Chambers of Basic Education and Higher Education, which make up the council, each consist of twelve council members. 

Source: Ministry of Education (MEC).

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