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For the past 150 years Portugal suffered from a structural deficit of education and qualifications. This imbalance vis-à-vis the rest of Europe is the consequence of a systematic underinvestment in human capital until 30 years ago. The article shows the strategic relevance of a sustainable investment in overcoming this educational gap and in the reversal of this “long cycle” of disqualification. Moreover, it refers to countries and systems where such an “educational revolution” was made possible. Hence, the case is made in favour of a new educational paradigm: education as a service – proximity – as opposed to the concept of a training factory – industry mode of operation. ‘New Opportunities’ – the government initiative under scrutiny – is also an excellent opportunity to reorganise an inclusive supply that works closer to the real needs of the demand for human advancement. The article closes offering a renewed mission for education, one that elicits the discovery of the immense treasure that dwells in the inner Portugal and in the Portuguese soul. Ultimately, education aims at making people happier and assisting them in discovering the treasure that inhabits deep in the meaning of life.