Argentine lawyer, educator and former Minister of Health, Avelino José
Porto, died on the September 12 at the age of 88. Porto was one of the most
significant personalities in Argentinian education system; she established the
University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires in 1964 and served for 59 years as the
dean of University of Belgrano. His role in education and in public health has
been very instrumental in shaping the face of Argentina.
Porto was born in 1935 and studied at military high school called Liceo
General San Martín affiliated with the Argentine army, which helped him to
shaped his character, be disciplined and have leadership skills. He later on
studied Law at the University of Buenos Aires where he graduated in 1959. He
entered his legal career in the criminal courts as clerk. However, he wanted to
do something he loved and that was and has remained his ultimate interest in
the education sector.
In 1964, Porto was instrumental in founding the University of Belgrano
the oldest and most prestigious of all the private universities in Argentina.
It rapidly developed this attractive image of its adherence to the principles
of the modern inter Branch approach to education. During his time as the head
of the university it became a strategic institution in the system of higher
education in Argentina and promoted innovation in the academic sphere. Porto
continued to exert overwhelming influence in the running of the university when
he was the dean until 2021 and he continued his active involvement in the South
American educational bodies.
This is where Porto University’s commitment to education was felt, and
embraced not only within the university territory. Then in 1984 he was chosen
to be part of the founding board of the National Academy of Education in
Argentina which shows his willingness and commitment as well to work hard in
promoting the standard and policies of education throughout this country.
Porto also served the public service in a more limited capacity as
Argentina’s Minister of Health during his country’s presidency under Carlos
Menem. He took the position on 16th of January 1991 and held the position until
the 3rd of December 1991. During his term in office as Minister of Health,
mainly called to contemporize and enhance the Argentina’s health care system, was
relatively short, given political changes.
Porto
started engaging in politics in 1992 serving as a candidate for the
Justicialist Party for the Buenos Aires City. However, he was overwhelmed by
Fernando de la Rúa who later became the President of Argentina in a electoral
competition that many people considered to be closely fought.
It may
therefore be seen that the life and work of Avelino Porto is epitomized by his
dedication towards education, the public sector and the welfare of the people
of Argentina. The late founded the University of Belgrano and made a dream of
thousands of students come through by increasing the chances of getting college
education and also challenge other institutions to provide quality education.
Further through his work with the National Academy of Education, he was
strengthened in his intention of changing the educational situation in
Argentina.
Unfortunately,
Porto only got to make brief contributions to Public Health but they showcased
his adaptability and readiness to serve his nation in different capacities. The
death of this man brings the era of old politics to a close so let’s look
forward of the future he left Argentina’s education and healthcare system in
for the future.
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