“A stage, not a classroom,” whispered a student at Escola Estadual Deputada Conceição da Costa Neves. The Escola Estadual Deputada Conceição da Costa Neves isn’t just a school. It’s a place where the echoes of a remarkable woman’s life intertwine with the aspirations of young learners. Conceição da Costa Neves, the school’s namesake, was a woman of many stages. Before she became a champion for the marginalized and a political force, she graced the theatrical stage as Regina Maura. Her captivating performances earned her the title “Queen of Actresses.” This passion for captivating audiences translated into a powerful voice in the political arena.
The Escola Estadual Deputada Conceição da Costa Neves, located on Rua Potengi, 92 in Jardim Rio das Pedras, Cotia, São Paulo, serves as a constant reminder of her dedication to education. This public state school focuses on fundamental education. It provides essential resources like water and electricity. It also boasts a computer lab with internet access and a multi-functional printer, bridging the gap between traditional learning and the digital age. The school even has thirteen televisions and a projector.
Conceição da Costa Neves’s journey from the stage to the state legislature is a testament to her unwavering commitment to social justice. She transitioned from captivating theater audiences to advocating for the rights of Hansen’s disease patients. This passion led her to a political career. She became a state deputy and relentlessly fought against the stigma surrounding the disease. Her investigations into the conditions of leprosariums in São Paulo led to what is considered the first CPI (Parliamentary Inquiry Commission) of the state legislature. This paved the way for improved care and treatment for those afflicted with Hansen’s disease. She also became the first woman to preside over a state parliament in Brazil, shattering glass ceilings and inspiring generations to come.
Her legacy extends beyond her political achievements. Her tireless work at the Cruz Vermelha Brasileira during World War II, founding the Associação Paulista de Assistência ao Doente de Lepra, and her role in drafting the Brazilian Constitution solidified her position as a force for positive change. The Escola Estadual Deputada Conceição da Costa Neves stands not only as a place of learning, but as a living testament to a woman who dared to embrace every stage of her life. It reminds us that education and advocacy are two sides of the same coin. They empower individuals and communities to create a better future.