Forma Pará celebrates the graduation of the first class of bachelor's degrees in Alenquer

The municipality of Alenquer, in the integration region of Baixo Amazonas, experienced a historic moment on Wednesday (4). In a ceremony marked by emotion and symbolism, 31 students received their Bachelor's degree in Public Management and Regional Development through the Forma Pará Program, a result of the partnership between the State Government, through the Secretary of Science, Technology and Higher, Professional and Technological Education (Sectet), and the Federal University of Western Pará (Ufopa).

The ceremony brought together authorities, family members, and friends of the graduates. Present were the rector of Ufopa, Professor Dr. Aldenize Ruela Xavier, who presided over the honor table; the deputy secretary of Sectet, Keynes Silva; the coordinator of the Forma Pará program, Professor Fernando Queiroz, representing Sectet; the mayor of Alenquer, Heverton dos Santos Silva; the director of the Alenquer Campus, Professor Dr. Maria do Rosário da Silva; the director of the Institute of Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Ana Maria Silva Sarmento; the coordinator of the Public Management and Regional Development course, Professor Dr. Márcio Júnior Benassuly Barros; and the patron of the Public Management and Regional Development class, Professor Dr. Abner Vilhena de Carvalho.

During her speech, the rector of Ufopa highlighted the transformative nature of education.
“We are facing a collective achievement. Each graduate present here represents a victory for their family, their community, and for the development of Pará. Ufopa is proud to be a partner of the 'Forma Pará' program and to contribute to the training of professionals who will directly act in strengthening public management and regional development,” she stated.

Emotion was also present in the testimonials of the graduates. Bachelor Izabel Araújo da Silva Ribeiro emphasized the change in perspective provided by the degree. “When I entered the course, I knew I was taking an important step, but I didn't imagine how much this education would transform my worldview, work perspective, and, especially, my future. The Forma Pará Program was essential in this journey. If it weren't for it, perhaps I and many of my colleagues would not have had access to higher education in our own city,” she said.

Graduate Alan Silva reinforced the uniqueness and relevance of the course in Alenquer. “The experience provided a broader understanding of the role of the public manager, which goes beyond resource management, acting as a link between the community and the public power to ensure voice and social participation. This was a true window of opportunity for all of us, I am very happy and grateful for this opportunity,” he highlighted.

The deputy secretary of Sectet, Keynes Silva emphasized the social impact of the initiative. “The Forma Pará has a clear commitment: to bring the university closer to the people, especially in municipalities in the interior. Today, we celebrate not only diplomas but the hope for a future with more opportunities, development, and social justice. This is the first class graduated by Ufopa within the program in Alenquer, an unprecedented achievement,” he declared.

About Forma Pará

Created in 2019 by the Government of Pará, the Forma Pará Program has already offered around 10,000 places in 59 undergraduate and graduate courses, distributed across more than 200 classes in the 144 municipalities of the State. The initiative, carried out by Sectet in partnership with higher education institutions, municipalities, and municipal associations, aims to expand access to higher education, meet regional demands, and break the cycle of social and educational exclusion.

Text by Carla Couto / Ascom Sectet