In 1946, Anísio accepts the invitation by Julien Huxley, UNESCO Prime-Executive Secretary, to become Higher Education Counsellor. Having second thoughts regarding a permanent step, Anísio only commits himself to a trial period. He would eventually turn down the offer to be part of the permanent staff of UNESCO.

He returned from London, heading to Amapá, in 1947. He intended to bring up his "tribe of four Teixeirinhas" by investing his profits with manganese trade, which he had got permission to explore at the rich mines at northern Navio hills formation - later to show themselves the largest in the world! These plans were set aside at the possibility, started with an invitation by the recently elected governor of Bahia, to reengage public life and carry forward his struggle to extend public education.