Daniel de Araujo is not just a teacher, he is a guide, a mentor and, a believer in the transformative power of education rooted in faith. At 36 years old, Daniel lives with his family in Railaco, near the local church, where his life is closely tied to both community and spiritual values. Since 2020, he has been teaching full-time at NOSSEF High School (Nossa Senhora de Fátima School), where he works with students from Grades 10 to 12, teaching Citizenship and Development.
Daniel’s connection to NOSSEF runs deep, not only is he a current staff member, but he is also an alumnus of the school, having studied there from 2009 to 2011. His own education was supported by a scholarship from NOSSEF and charitable donors, which helped him pursue university studies. Today, he gives back by accompanying the next generation through both academic and spiritual growth.
Before returning to NOSSEF, Daniel taught in a technical public vocational school in Railaco. Comparing the two experiences, he observes a significant shift: “At NOSSEF, the focus goes beyond academics, it embraces spirituality and personal formation. The school offers a holistic approach that truly shapes character.”
He recalls that, in earlier years, the school was run by religious sisters and spiritual retreats for teachers and students were not yet part of the culture. Now, NOSSEF holds retreats every trimester for students and an annual retreat for teachers, greatly enriching the spiritual life of the school. “These retreats offer a space for reflection and renewal—for both students and staff,” Daniel shares.
Over the years, NOSSEF has grown remarkably. Where back then the school had a very limited facilities, now it operates with improved infrastructure and a clear identity rooted in Jesuit values. “The school has undergone a quiet but powerful transformation,” he says. “We are witnessing NOSSEF become a place where character is formed and, people are prepared to serve others.”
Daniel also highlights the unique adaptation journey of students—especially those coming from smaller or public schools. “Their first year can be tough,” he says. “But by the second and third years, we begin to see real growth.” He attributes this to the school’s strong community culture, known affectionately as the NOSSEF Family.
Spiritual activities play a big role in this transformation. “These activities help us open up—to share our struggles and successes,” he says. As a class adviser, Daniel meets regularly with students to listen to their concerns, suggestions, or problems. He also welcomes informal conversations during school breaks, and benefits from weekly Friday reflection sessions with Sr. Olga, which give both teachers and students a safe space to connect.
Daniel has also undergone training on child safeguarding from NOSSEF and social protection through the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI). Beyond the classroom, he accompanies students during their annual retreats, weekly sharing circles and formation programs. “Teaching isn’t only about the content of a subject—it’s about sharing life itself,” he explains. “The experiences I’ve had are not mine alone—they are meant to be shared.”
This year’s school theme, “Walking Together with Hope – We Are All Brothers and Sisters in Christ”, resonates deeply with Daniel. He sees NOSSEF not simply as a school, but as a community that molds its members to become people for others.
“We are forming students to be Men and Women for others,” he reflects. “And that, for me, is the heart of education.”
Written by: Lucrecia Nessi, ETR Volunteer.