The immense challenges arising from the covid-19 pandemic have led various actors in society to seek ways to mitigate its effects, which should last for several years in the public debate. At this moment, it is still sometimes possible to observe shallow, simplistic speeches that do not portray the reality of an institution that has stood out nationally and positioned itself as a real agent of transformation and inclusion in this difficult moment, which we are all going through.

Throughout the pandemic, IFCE produced and donated personal protection equipment to hospitals, benefited thousands of students with emergency aid, chips for internet access and social and psychological assistance strategies, created platforms that assisted the State Government in monitoring of pandemic indicators, developed research and outreach projects to solve new emerging problems and, soon, will deliver thousands of tablets as a way to alleviate the social exclusion that was already observed in many of our students even before the pandemic.

In addition, despite all the economic challenges arising from the pandemic, IFCE managed to guarantee the allocation of funds from parliamentary amendments to meet the needs of different units. Thus, in the coming years, it will be possible for the institution to expand its course offerings and strengthen the quality of the provision of services to society.

I have been a former student and professor at this institution for nine years and for four years, director of an IFCE campus. I know what it is like to give up nights, weekends and vacation while working. Like me, so do hundreds of teaching and technical-administrative colleagues, coordinators, department heads, principals and the dean, people who sometimes dedicate years of their lives to public service because they believe that, through their work and dedication, they can change the direction of our society.

Criticism is often made to these people without recognizing that the work of a manager is also one of the structuring pillars of our institution, without admitting that a manager, especially within the scope of IFCE, is in a passing position; however, like any human being with contradictions and peculiarities, a manager also has the right to be respected and recognized for his or her work.

I invite our esteemed readers to a brief reflection: it is correct to admit that publishing an article in a renowned scientific journal, or even developing transformative outreach in society, or even rescuing students in social vulnerability on the verge of dropping-out are simply obligations of a civil servant? In this case, why would it be correct to admit that providing the growth and stability of an institution in a totally adverse scenario is a simple "manager's obligation"?

One of the most mediocre characteristics of a human being is being unable to recognize the efforts of others, assuming that only his work and his way of looking at the world and society are valid. In addition to plurality and freedom of thought, a thriving democracy requires the ability to converge to common values ​​and goals, even if they do not meet the fullness of its ideas, but understanding that collective construction also depends on the union of efforts.

Shallow speeches are countered with work and results. Our academic community is wise and will certainly know how to differentiate long-term work from pre-election discourse. Finally, I leave the esteemed readers with the warning that the judgment of history is relentless with those who are exempt from their responsibilities in the name of individual projects. At this moment, society calls for effective actions by its actors, and I am sure that IFCE will remain, as it always has, fighting daily for a more just, solidary, egalitarian and inclusive society. 

Source: Jornal O Povo