Luzia Lima-Rodrigues, researcher at CeiED and Director of the Master’s in Special Education and the Postgraduate Programme in Special Education and Inclusive Education at Universidade Lusófona, was invited by the University of Cape Verde and the Research Centre on Child Studies of the University of Minho to deliver the opening lecture of the 3rd Cape Verdean Congress on Inclusive Education, under the theme “50 Years of Independence and Inclusive Education: Pathways, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.”

The congress took place on 4 and 5 December 2025 at the University of Cape Verde, Palmarejo Grande Campus, Santiago Island. In her opening lecture, titled “From Independence to Interdependence: Walking Together to Build a More Inclusive Education and Society,” Luzia Lima-Rodrigues highlighted the importance of collaboration, interpersonal relationships, and joint action in addressing current challenges and promoting truly inclusive education.

During her visit to Santiago Island, Luzia Lima-Rodrigues also met with the Vice-Rector of Universidade Lusófona de Cabo Verde, Nemias Gonçalves, to explore and develop joint institutional initiatives.