Maria Lucia Machado de Azambuja

Brazil's education reformer who expanded access to schooling for marginalized communities

Maria Lucia Machado de Azambuja (1908–1993) was a transformative educator who championed inclusive education in Brazil. As Secretary of Education in Minas Gerais (1947–1951), she implemented policies to build rural schools and train teachers for underserved regions. Her 1950s initiative 'Escola Nova' promoted critical thinking over rote learning. Later, she founded the Latin American Institute of Educational Planning (ILADE), influencing regional education strategies. Her memoir published in Educar details her reforms. Explore her legacy at Britannica.