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São Filipe, Cabo Verde
São Filipe is located on the island of Fogo in the Atlantic Ocean. The city is in close proximity to the Pico do Fogo volcano.
groups
City population
27,826
person
Member since
2024
Vision
São Filipe’s vision centres on fostering an inclusive, high-quality educational system for all its residents. In the longer term, the city aims to bolster professional development for its workforce, stimulate innovation, preserve its rich history and culture, and promote physical well-being through sports and active lifestyles.
Lifelong learning is a fundamental strategy to meet the challenges of the changing world.
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Mr Nuais Silva
Mayor of São Filipe
Policies, plan and implementation
Sustainability and health
The city has introduced the Mobile Health Clinic, which visits rural areas, schools and kindergartens to provide health check-ups and treatments. Additionally, the municipality offers a Healthy Vision programme that issues prescription glasses to students and older adults, and promotes oral hygiene among pre-schoolers. São Filipe also encourages sustainability and healthy lifestyles through school gardens, capoeira classes and the renovation of sports facilities.
Equity and inclusion
To address economic disparities and ensure equitable access to education, São Filipe has established the School Social Action System, offering study grants, transport and recognition awards at all levels from primary to tertiary education. Moreover, the revamped Armando Montrond Cultural Centre caters to diverse learning preferences, fostering an inclusive environment for all residents.
Decent work and entrepreneurship
The city has established the Fogo Innovation Lab, an incubator to support young entrepreneurs with training, capacity-building and market knowledge. Additionally, São Filipe promotes the creation of new businesses through funding programmes, targeting economically disadvantaged households, especially those led by women and young people. Collaborations with microcredit institutions and events such as the ocean-themed hackathon, Blue Hack, further underscore the city’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable solutions.
Good practices
Education Incentive
The programme offers scholarships and grants to residents, bolstering learning opportunities. Through partnerships with local and international institutions, the city amplifies educational access, benefiting both young people and adults.
Opening of the new municipal library
After almost ten years without a library, the city has established a new library specializing in Cape Verdean literature, which is open to visitors and residents alike. It serves as an educational hub and features an audio-visual room for global virtual library access, and a dedicated children’s area. In addition to daily readings, the library hosts events, training programmes, exhibitions and tech fairs, thereby promoting cultural enrichment.