History
The roots of the Center of Human Sciences, Letters and Arts (CCHLA) at UFPB trace back to two educational institutions in João Pessoa: the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters (FAFI) and the School of Social Work of Paraíba, both established in the 1950s and later integrated into UFPB in the subsequent decade. CCHLA was founded in 1974, and between 1975 and 1976, was relocated from downtown area to the then newly inaugurated campus in the Castelo Branco neighborhood.
Over time, CCHLA has expanded its research endeavors, currently hosting 15 Graduate Programs, and has become notable for its extension activities spread across various locations in Paraíba.
In 2008, CCHLA embraced the Support Program for the Restructuring and Expansion of Federal Universities (REUNI Project), an initiative of President Lula’s second government, marking a new phase of growth. This initiative led to the establishment of new undergraduate courses, an increase in the number of students, and the construction of new facilities including classrooms, administrative spaces, and a dedicated building for the Vanildo Brito Sectoral Library.
In 2011, CCHLA underwent a division resulting in the creation of a new teaching center within UFPB, the Center for Communication, Tourism, and Arts (CCTA).
Despite this division, CCHLA remains the largest center at UFPB in terms of number of students and the range of undergraduate and graduate programs it offers. Additionally, CCHLA encompasses various research and extension centers such as the Center for Citizenship and Human Rights – NCDH, Center for Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous Studies and Research – NEABI, Samuel Firmino Center and Sector for Studies and Assistance to Popular Movements – NUSEAMPO, alongside The Institute of Linguistic and Cultural Studies – INELC, and the Clinical School of Psychology.