FATHER OF EDUCATION IN PUERTO RICO

VENERABLE RAFAEL CORDERO was a  Puerto Rican  teacher born in San Juan in October 1790, popularly known as Master Rafael.  He was one of the first educators of the African community of Puerto Rico.

Painting by Francisco Oller- 1890

 Raised in a colonial society of strong prejudice toward blacks, who remained in ignorance and slavery, Rafael Cordero did not have the opportunity to attend schools, but he received a cultural base thanks to his parents, Lucas and Rita, who were well educated and loved learning.  They brought Rafael and his two sisters up as devout Catholics.

At the same time working in tobacco plantations, in 1810 he opened an elementary school with the main objective to teach literacy to black boys, while his sister Celestina opened a school for girls. He kept his school open for 58 years. 

As his fame as an educator spread, the wealthy sent their children to him to learn the three R’s, as well as the catechism.  Some of his students became well- known politicians as well as famed writers. He proved that racial and economic integration could be possible and accepted.

His humble and selfless character were legendary among those who received training at his school. He wrote: " I do not want to remember today the good I made yesterday. My wishes are that night delete deserving works that I've been able to do during the day."

Only at the end of his life did he received a general recognition, and awarded a small stipend, which he turned over to the poor.

Rafael remained celibate his whole life and had a great devotion to St. Anthony of Padua, and daily prayed the rosary.

He died in 1868, with the words, “ My God, receive me into Your bosom.” . His funeral procession was accompanied by a crowd of two thousand people.