ISCED-Huíla participated for the first time in the 23rd edition of EXPO-Huíla. The event took place from August 10 to 14, 2022.

Expo-Huíla is considered the largest business fair in southern Angola, featuring over 320 exhibitors. EXPO-Huíla is in its 23rd edition, organized by the Huíla Agricultural, Commercial, and Industrial Association (AAPCIL).

In this first participation by ISCED-Huíla, the President of the institution, Dr. Hélder Pedro Alicerces Bahú, inaugurated the ISCED Huíla stand in the presence of the presidents of the General Council and the Scientific Council, as well as members of the Board of Directors. Following the inauguration, the stand was visited by His Excellency the Governor of Huíla Province, Nuno Bernabé Mahapi Dala, and his accompanying delegation.

This debut participation was marked by the use of a mascot featuring the Baobab tree, one of Angola’s most imposing and symbolic trees, steeped in mystery, spirituality, and tradition throughout Africa. The tree provides food, water, medicine, and shelter to those living in forests and savannas; therefore, this majestic tree, which represents wisdom and rich cultural and ecological value, was chosen to represent our institution.

During this first participation, ISCED-Huíla carried out several activities of interest to the academic community and EXPO-Huíla visitors. These activities consisted primarily of trivia games, general knowledge tests, and prize-winning IQ and psychometric tests. Specific days were also dedicated to CIDE (Center for Research and Development in Education) and CEBEA (Center for Biodiversity Studies and Environmental Education). Another day was dedicated to chemistry experiments, featuring demonstrations of interesting chemical solutions, attracting approximately 930 visitors during the five days of the exhibition.

Various books from the central library were on display, along with the sale of works by the institution’s faculty, taxidermied animals such as snakes, birds, butterflies, and grasshoppers, as well as works produced by CIDE. One of the main attractions was the display of a Python preserved in a protective liquid that keeps it intact for many years, which sparked great interest and curiosity among visitors.

On the final day (August 14), a raffle was held with a computer as the prize; the funds raised were donated to support Master Padú’s cultural center, located in the João de Almeida neighborhood.