Un muiñeiro de verbas no corazón da escola

Abstract

During childhood, we shape our behavior and build our identity. In this formation period, school plays a decisive role. In this respect, there is no question about the invaluable contribution of Manuel María’s work. The power of his language and his deep and unwavering convictions made and still make his work hugely efficient in the recovery of our identity as a people (one should only check out social media to gauge its impact in Galician schools). It also contributes to the normalization of Galician language, as it is an opportunity to relish its beauty.

Those of us who started teaching when EXB (General Basic Education, 1970) was implemented are in great debt to him. We came from a time of locked doors and we could find in his work (not only in his children’s works) seductive keys that won our hearts. Some of those children, who are now teachers, are trying to get their students to feel that lightning that can make simple things glow (that is why he was dubbed as “the God of small things”). Manuel María worked wonders by resurrecting moons, winds, rivers and paths to enter with his words into the heart of school. He placed his words on it truly and beautifully, sharing his view of the world and his way of being in it.