The Faculty of Education and Social Work at the Ourense Campus has a long history of training professionals in the socio-educational field and its guiding principles include the pursuit of excellence, attention to diversity, equal opportunities, and the right to difference, as highlighted in its Strategic Development Program (PDE_FETS). Among these values, the defense and normalization of the Galician language stands out, which has always been a hallmark of our Faculty, as stated in our recently approved PDE_FETS:
“The Escuela Normal de Ourense, the only institution of higher education for decades, was a center of reference for the cultural and professional advancement of students from rural areas, particularly women. When political and social conditions allowed, Galicia's natural and cultural heritage was incorporated into academic practice, in a clear commitment to identity, diversity, equality, and coeducation”.
Thus, many of the professors who have been part of the faculty over the years have participated in educational renewal movements closely linked to the defense of the Galician language, such as the Nueva Escuela Gallega (New Galician School), Asociación Sociopedagógica Gallego-Portuguesa (Galician-Portuguese Socio-Pedagogical Association), Asociación Gallega de la Lengua (Galician Language Association), Instituto Sociopedagógico Gallego (Galician Socio-Pedagogical Institute), and Ponte nas Ondas (On the Airwaves).
This defense and promotion of the Galician language since our origins continues today, as demonstrated by the constant presence of Galician in daily life and in the faculty's communications, both internally and externally, in our outreach to society and in institutional relations.
That is why we have been implementing a Galicianization plan since the 2019/2020 academic year, which aims to use Galician as the language of instruction in 80% of teaching. The Galician language training of our students and their linguistic awareness is essential, as they will be professionals working with children and people in vulnerable situations, whose main tool will be the spoken word.
The Faculty of Education and Social Work was the first at the University of Vigo to receive the Galicianization Distinction, Gal Ego, in the 2023/2024 academic year, in recognition of its work to encourage the use of the Galician language.
Gal-Ego Distinction Report 2023/2024