As part of the 9th grade History course, the classes held a very special open class: they invited their grandparents to participate in a session dedicated to the study of the Estado Novo and the Revolution of 25 April 1974. This initiative, carried out at the college Carcavelos (Lisbon, Portugal), aimed not only to deepen the students’ knowledge of this important period in Portuguese history, but also to value the living memory of those who experienced it first-hand.
Learning from living history
The study of the Estado Novo — the authoritarian regime led by António de Oliveira Salazar between 1933 and 1974 — and the revolution that brought it to an end on 25 April is a fundamental part of the 9th grade curriculum.
However, hearing the testimonies of those who lived under censorship, political repression, colonial war and even the hope brought by the conquest of freedom transforms books and documents into real experiences.
During the open class, the grandparents present were able to share their memories: what life was like in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, what they listened to on the radio, how they experienced 25 April and how they felt when democracy arrived.
This class was not only an exercise in historical learning, but also a moment of civic education. Students were able to reflect on the value of freedom, democracy, civic participation and human rights. Actively listening to family testimonies sparked empathy, critical thinking and a deeper connection to history.
The presence of the grandparents added an emotional and enriching touch to the class. Many students discovered stories they had never heard before, and the older people felt valued and listened to. This intergenerational exchange highlighted the power of history as a tool for connecting the past, present and future.
The school, as a space for learning and citizenship, was enriched by this experience. And the students became more aware of their role in building a world in which the values of April live on.
Maria João Silva