On Saturday, February 14, our club experienced a truly special moment: we had the honor of welcoming to Newark the Mayor of Arcos de Valdevez, Mr. Olegário Gonçalves, in a visit that filled us with pride and emotion.
The delegation also included Dr. Pedro Silva, head of the Red Cross in Arcos de Valdevez, Father Balmiro Amorim, and other guests. This gathering was made possible thanks to the presence and dedication of Ms. Lillian Cerqueira, President of Amigos do Vale USA—the organization that held a fundraising event on February 15 and brought the guests to us, making this visit possible. We are deeply grateful for this gesture, for the bridge that was created, and for the care shown toward our school and our club.
A Purposeful Start: Escola Luís de Camões
The visit began at Escola Luís de Camões, at the José Santos Conference Center, where the guests were welcomed by the President of Sport Club Português, Pedro Pires; the Vice President of Culture, Rafaela Graça; the Secretary, Susana Caetano; and the President of the General Assembly, Jack Costa.
During the meeting, we proudly shared the work our school carries out every day to teach Portuguese language and culture to nearly 300 students, as well as the challenges we face and our plans for the future. Moments like this reaffirm what we believe: the Portuguese school is essential to ensure that our children learn Portuguese, stay connected to their roots, and carry Portugal in their hearts, even while growing up far from their homeland.
Classroom by Classroom, Student by Student
After the meeting, the guests had the opportunity to visit the classrooms, speak with teachers and students, and answer questions along the way—simple yet unforgettable moments that show children that their identity and culture matter.
To the Club, Through the Heart of the Ironbound
The delegation then continued on foot, taking a short walk along Congress Street and Ferry Street on the way to Sport Club Português. Along the way, several people stopped to greet them and exchange a few words—a beautiful reflection of the strength and pride of our community.
At the Sport Club Português Museum: 104 Years of History
Once at the club, the visit continued in our Museum, where the guests were able to learn more about the rich history of Sport Club Português, an institution with 104 years of life, dedication, and service.
The day ended with a fellowship lunch, where guests and board members shared ideas, experiences, and dreams—reinforcing something we all feel: when the school and the club move forward together, our culture grows stronger.
On behalf of Escola Luís de Camões and Sport Club Português, we extend our heartfelt thanks for the visit and for the closeness shown.
About Escola Luís de Camões
Escola Luís de Camões, founded in 1936, is one of the pillars of the Portuguese community in New Jersey. Dedicated to teaching the Portuguese language and passing on Portugal’s culture and traditions, the school welcomes children and young people of different ages and levels, creating a space where Portuguese heritage is lived with pride.
Today, the school has two campuses—Newark and Warren (New Jersey)—and a team of 11 teachers, all deeply committed to a mission that makes us proud: ensuring that new generations speak Portuguese, understand their roots, and maintain a real connection to Portuguese identity—not only through language, but also through history, music, traditions, and values.
With nearly 300 students, and with the constant involvement of parents, volunteers, and community partners, Escola Luís de Camões continues to grow and prepare for the future, without ever losing sight of what makes it essential: teaching Portuguese is preserving our identity.
