Odebrecht Informa #164 by Odebrecht USA

# 164 vol. XL JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 English Edition

ESSENTIAL ACTION Initiatives that make it possible for Odebrecht Group companies to fulfill their social responsibility

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www.odebrechtonline.co Online edition

> An Angolan group brings together personal statements to form an archive and produce a documentary on their countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independence.

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# 164 vol. XL JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 English Edition

> Based on interactive experiments, a museum in CamaĂ§ari, Bahia, teaches science to children and adolescents. > A competition awards prizes to schools that produce sustainability projects and fosters environmental education. > Blood donations and professional education mobilize company members building Pier IV, and their families.

ESSENTIAL ACTION Initiatives that make it possible for Odebrecht Group companies to fulfill their social responsibility

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> Support for small businesses and malaria prevention are some of the initiatives that are contributing to the development of communities in Guinea.

> Production of red propolis, a unique Brazilian commodity on the global market, revs up the economies of Alagoas communities.

> The principles of cooperativism applied to plastic recycling produce skilled workers and sources of income.

> At Frontiers of Thinking 2012, Mozambican writer Mia Couto discusses the importance of Africa for Brazil.

> In Valongo, a region of low-income communities in Santos, S達o Paulo, soccer is a tool for the social inclusion of local youths > Follow Odebrecht Informa on Twitter and get news in real time @odbinforma

> Comment on blog posts and participate by sending your suggestions to the editors.

> RECYCLING IS LIVING

Through its support for recycling projects, Braskem creates work and income opportunities in the Brazilian states of S達o Paulo, Alagoas, Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul.

> You can also read Odebrecht Informa on your iPad. The magazine can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store.

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Cover: Lauren Pereira, from Odebrecht, with children and young people from the village of Tamiandou in the Kissidougou region of Guinea. Photo by Guilherme Afonso.

#164

Born on the Santo Antônio Dam construction site in Brazil, the Acreditar professional education program is going global

For highway concessionaires, paths are also built by investing in basic education, training young professionals and supporting small businesses

Panama: a partnership for health is getting highly positive results, inside and outside the jobsites

Folks: Rafael Tamashiro, Minerva Gómez and Thamara Wanderley are helping improve life in their communities in Peru, Panama and Brazil

Fonte Nova Arena provides opportunities for ex-convicts to rejoin society

While revamping Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the company scores some important victories, including literacy for its members

In São Lourenço da Mata, Pernambuco, the Arena Education Program offers computer classes for youths and adults

A program developed in Santa Catarina, Espírito Santo, Bahia and Tocantins spotlights the important social role of health workers

Interview: Francisco Martins and the stories, learnings and current challenges of a person whose greatest passion is helping people grow and develop

Theater, dance, music, lectures: the various (and highly qualified) facets of Braskem’s contribution to the arts and culture

Support for small businesses, digital inclusion and combating malaria raise fresh expectations for growth in Guinea’s communities

Soccer guarantees fun, activity, and especially prospects for children and youths in the Valongo region of Santos, São Paulo

The joint venture responsible for building the Abreu e Lima Refinery in Suape energizes Olinda’s already lively Carnival

Transnordestina opens up its jobsites to the community, giving them a detailed look at how the railroad is being built

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SOCIAL PROGRAMS

The map shows the countries and Brazilian states (in beige) where the projects and programs described in this issue of Odebrecht Informa are located, and where the people who feature in these stories live and work

A story about the joy and pride of learning to read and write, from the Trensurb construction project in the Porto Alegre metropolitan region

Recycling projects in four Brazilian states focus on used plastic as one way to overcome a major environmental challenge

Community: in Rondônia, a professional education initiative has become more than a business tool - it forms a strong social bond

Angola: in Huambo and Cambambe, initiatives help promote citizenship, health, education and professional training

Luanda’s Structuring Routes Project confirms the positive value of getting families involved in the day-to-day operations of a construction project

A youth orchestra goes on a tour that includes the Teles Pires Dam construction site

Portugal: an example of appreciation for and preservation of intangible heritage in the vicinity of the Baixo Sabor Dam project

Profile: Cláudio Castro and his everyday interaction with the type of worker he got to know and learned to admire as a child

An inspiring transformation in the lives of a group of women, made possible thanks to a pioneer’s persistence

Argument: Ana Cristina Barros and the need for businesses to play an active role in improving the living conditions of the communities in which they operate

Southern Bahia Lowlands: practicing the principle that everyone can contribute to the balance of their local habitat

Capa Ilustração de Rico Lins informa

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EDITORIAL

Initiatives that make the difference

I “When it is lived the way it should be, that is, continuously enhanced and deepened, the ethos of service leads to the desire and the need to do more, and do it better”

n Guinea, Madeleine Kondiano knows that her dream of sending her six children to college is closer to coming true. Orlando Quintero is better able to carry on his fight against HIV/AIDS in Panama. Geraldo Simme, Roberto Silveira and Gabriel Garcia are experiencing a new phase in their lives because their recycling project has created fresh prospects in Rio Grande do Sul. In the same southern Brazilian state, Francisco Alves and Claudino Guareski are discovering the fascinating world of the written word. In Portugal, archaeologist Rita Gaspar is celebrating the circumstances enabling her to provide more encouraging results for the community through her work; and in Angola, Conceição Jamba can, as she says herself, go anywhere now, because she has finally managed to obtain an ID card. These are some of the exciting, exemplary and inspiring stories you will find in this issue of Odebrecht Informa, which showcases social programs carried out with the participation of Group companies in the context of the organization’s operations in Brazil and around the world. These initiatives are focused on improving health and education, providing job skills, creating jobs and sources of income, regaining citizenship, and other areas of decisive importance for enabling people to enjoy a better quality of life. Firmly and enthusiastically grounded in the principles of the Odebrecht Entrepreneurial Technology (TEO), the Group’s teams seek to offer contributions that make the difference. When it is lived the way it should be, that is, continuously enhanced and deepened, the ethos of service leads to the desire and the need to do more, and do it better. This practice demonstrates the positive social impact a company can and must have. Good reading.

Seeing is

believing The Acreditar Program’s international experience attests to its ability to adapt to the most varied and challenging situations written by Fabiana Cabral (coordinator and Mozambique, Cláudio Lovato Filho (Panama), Elea Almeida (Guinea), Júlio César Soares (Argentina) and Luciana Lana (Angola)

he Department of Malargüe, in the Ar-

Claudio Alejandro Flores, 36, used to work as a brick-

gentine province of Mendoza, is nothing

layer. He had no specialized job skills when he enrolled

like the famous wine-producing provin-

in Creer and took the electrician course. “It’s good to ac-

cial capital. Malargüe’s main products

quire a skill and learn about all stages of a project,” he

are potatoes, onions and garlic. Another

says. After finishing the course, Claudio started his own

strong point for the local economy is mining. Techint and

small construction business. Former seamstress Orfilia

Odebrecht are building the Rio Colorado potash mine in

Roca, 47, graduated from the program as an electrical

Malargüe for Vale, with a production capacity of 2.9 mil-

technician to set an example for her kids. “I was never

lion metric tons per year. The mine’s arrival and the economic boost it brought with it have generated growth in Malargüe and six other Mendoza departments. And the demand for skilled workers has grown along with them. This was the situation when the first edition of Creer (Believe), the Spanish-speaking version of the Group’s Ongoing Professional Education Program, was born in Argentina.

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able to finish school, and this has always been some-

In 2009, the program arrived in Angola and adapted to

thing I needed to do,” she says. Two of her children have

the realities of that rapidly growing country. The first step

completed the basic module of Creer.

was to determine the demands of the Group’s various

According to program coordinator Jorge Alfredo De

projects. The survey revealed what would become one of

Angeli, since Creer got started in Mendoza Province in

the biggest challenges: the low level of schooling and the

December 2011, more than 2,800 people have applied,

disparity between the workers’ education levels.

775 have completed the basic and technical modules,

“Based on the Brazilian experience, we developed an

and 85 are working on the potash mine project. Marina

educational method that was adapted to and by the An-

Gonzalez Ugarte, the officer Responsible for the pro-

golan people,” explains Adriana Correia Bezerra, the offi-

gram at Odebrecht Argentina says: “We have to think

cer Responsible for the program. More than 3,200 people

about local development along with social inclusion.”

signed up in the first year, and 1,200 were certified (Ode-

From Brazil to the world

Today, the program has more than 2,900 graduates and

Created by Odebrecht in 2008 in Porto Velho, Bra-

6,200 applicants. Other companies are hiring people who

zil, with the Portuguese name Acreditar (Believe), the

acquired job skills through the program, which is also en-

program was initially intended to enable local workers

abling women to enter the labor market.

to acquire the job skills they needed to build the Santo

Women are also a highlight of the program in Mo-

Antônio hydroelectric plant. Four years later, the initia-

zambique, where Odebrecht is building Nacala Interna-

tive is now being successfully deployed in 10 Brazilian

tional Airport and expanding the Moatize Coal Project:

states, with more than 117,000 applicants. A total of

20% of Acreditar’s participants are female.

53,300 have graduated, and 34,500 are working on Ode-

In a country where 48% of adults cannot read or write,

brecht projects. Currently, nine countries besides Bra-

the rate in Nacala is even more alarming: 81% of women

zil are implementing the program (Angola, Argentina,

are illiterate. The Acreditar Literacy program was developed

Cuba, Colombia, Liberia, Mozambique, Peru, Panama

in August 2012 to train local teachers with a method that

and Venezuela), with a total of 36,900 applicants, 18,200

emphasizes reading and writing. Forty-five literacy teachers

graduates, and 7,600 people hired.

were certified in three months.

Geraldo Pestalozzi

brecht hired almost 100% of the graduates in some fields).

Jennifer Bartley and Mauricio Castillo, in Panama City: professional education benefits individuals and society

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Young Mozambicans (aged 13 to 18) are also getting

through a partnership with Vale, the program has trained

a chance to start a career through Acreditar Apprentice,

578 people there to work as carpenters, bricklayers and

introduced in Nacala in April 2012 with a focus on com-

excavator operators.

pany members’ families. “We believe that teens are the

Just as it did in Angola and Mozambique, so Acredi-

protagonists of social change,” says Adriana Brito, the

tar has also undergone adaptations in Guinea. The first

officer Responsible for Odebrecht Social Programs in

thing to change was its name, which is Programme

Mozambique. In seven months, 65% of the program’s

Espoir, since the country’s official language is French.

56 young graduates showed improved academic perfor-

According to Lauren Pereira, the Odebrecht Institutional

mance, and more than 90% demonstrated positive be-

and Community Relations Coordinator, the Guinean pro-

havioral changes. Using their new skills, the apprentices

gram is intended for residents already on the company’s

have created the Young Protagonists Association (AJP),

payroll who are working in the region of Kissidougou,

which organizes cleaning task forces, collects clothing

the host city of the Simandou road project. The basic

and helps sell pictures made from recycled materials.

module provides information on health, the environment

Sofia Saide, 17, is the coordinator of AJP. “Being a pro-

and behavior in such a way that company members can

tagonist means being the first to play their part and join

share what they learn with their relatives and neighbors.

forces to find solutions.”

“By influencing workers, we are imparting knowledge to

The Acreditar Professional Education Program got 1,244 people. Also deployed in Moatize in July 2012

program and another 72 have already studied equipment

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Holanda Cavalcanti

One group of 16 members is taking part in the pilot

The Creer Program in Argentina: instructor Miguel Arturo Conesa (right) with students Ramón Chaile (center) and Walter Javier Molina. Opposite, Acreditar graduates in Mozambique: development and social inclusion

people outside the company,” says Lauren.

started in Nacala in January 2012, and has graduated

Arquivo Odebrecht

maintenance at the jobiste. “Espoir has been very well

things.” After working in a beauty salon and doing some

received by the client, Rio Tinto, which has a 50-year plan

carpentry, she took the basic module of Creer in October

in that country,” says Equipment Training Coordinator

2011. She started working on the Coastal Beltway III proj-

Raimundo Filho.

ect as a general assistant, sought out fresh challenges

The instructor Souleymane Doumbouya was recruited

and worked in the stockroom before becoming the op-

from the mechanics hired to work on the project. Fluent

erations manager on the People team. “I want to learn to

in French, English and local languages, he is such a good

read blueprints. You never stop learning at Odebrecht,”

teacher that his fame has spread throughout the com-

she says. Mauricio Castillo used to own a barbershop. He

munity. He is now giving free lessons in his own home.

had also done some welding and sold snacks for a living

“Because they know that Odebrecht is educating people

before taking the basic module of the program. After that,

here, young people are striving to do better in school so

he became a general assistant and went on to his current

they can improve their lives and grow,” he says. “We want

job as a welder. “I want to study engineering,” he says.

to enable Guineans to work for other companies and even

The Creer program was introduced on the Coastal Belt-

start their own businesses,” adds the project’s Construc-

way III project in October 2011. The first two groups to take

tion Manager, Daniel Fernandes.

the course were made up of 500 company members. All of them were from Chorrillo, an area with a long and serious

More work, less violence

history of urban violence. “The program certified 440 people,

Back in the Americas, we are now in Panama, where

and over half of them were hired to work on the project,”

Jennifer Bartley, 30, and Mauricio Castillo Harding, 45,

says Administrative and Financial Manager Arturo Graell.

have taken advantage of the opportunities afforded by

The participants are between the ages of 18 and 60

the Creer program. They live in Chorrillo, the low-income

years, and 30% of them are women. The Coastal Beltway

community of Panama City where they were born. That is

was the company’s first project to introduce Creer, and

where Odebrecht is working on stage three of the Coastal

the program’s benefits for the community go beyond the

Beltway project.

creation of job and income opportunities. “Violence has

“My mother used to say that construction work is for men,” says Jennifer, “but I like to build and transform

gone down. Creer is helping raise the Chorrillo community’s self-esteem,” says Arturo.

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12 informa

Let’s move

ahead,

together!

Concessionaires are developing social outreach programs on several fronts – from health to digital inclusion, from training entrepreneurs to promoting citizenship – in four Brazilian states written by Eduardo Souza Lima photos by Élvio Luiz, Fernando Vivas and Rogério Reis

concession is a two-way street. This concept guides and lends its name to the professional education program adopted at the Bahia Norte and Litoral Norte concessionaires. It also directs initiatives at Odebrecht TransPort’s other concessionaires, such as Rota dos Coqueiros’s Via

School, in Pernambuco; Rota das Bandeiras’s Route of Education, Hit the Net, and Action Against Dengue, in São Paulo, and the SuperVia Apprentice program, in Rio de Janeiro. The Two-Way Street program is providing skills to 400 small business owners in Bahia established along highways BA-093 and BA-099, Via School aims to benefit about 4,800 students in Pernambuco, and SuperVia Apprentice is giving 160 young Rio residents an opportunity to acquire their first job experience. More than enough reason to hope for a decent and rewarding future. “My neighbor was invited to participate but didn’t want to. Now, I think Mariana Lopes “I’m coming out of my shell”

she regrets that decision,” says Marcos Santana, who inherited his father’s small restaurant, Mário do Mocotó, in Vila de Abrantes, Camaçari. Marcos’s business stands alongside the BA-099, better known as Estrada do Coco (Coconut Highway). Organized by the OAS-Odebrecht joint venture, the Bahia Norte and Litoral Norte concessionaires, and SEBRAE, Two-Way Street was first implemented in January 2011 by the Institute of Applied Research and Technology Management (IPGA), with support from the Invepar Institute. The program covers the municipalities of Lauro de Freitas, Camaçari, Simões Filho, Dias D’Avila, Mata de São João, Ipojuca, Entre Rios, Esplanada, Conde and Jandaira. The first challenge was gaining the trust of small business owners along the route. “We realized that they were skeptical. It’s a new project. No one had ever taken an interest in them before, and they were afraid of losing their businesses,” says Wellington Ribeiro, IGPA’s manager for this project. “We

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are working with everyone from the guy selling corn on

because I couldn’t issue invoices and official receipts,”

the cob on the street to the owner of a tire repair shop.

he says. Aquelina Moreira, who owns a small tailor

It’s not an easy job to get these entrepreneurs into the

shop near his restaurant, can now take large orders

classroom. They think that if they close their business

since she bought an industrial sewing machine and

to study, just for a minute, they’ll lose money. But when

obtained a business permit: “I’m making a company’s

they start trusting us, we become part of the family,”

uniforms.”

says IGPA supervisor Arlete Cruz.

In Simões Filho, sales at Livro da Vida (Book of Life),

The small business owners received training from

a bookshop and stationery store run by Maria Apare-

SEBRAE agents through classes that cover the ba-

cida Ribas, have almost doubled thanks to a few simple

sics of food handling, financial management, personal

measures: “It used to be hard to sell our merchandise.

marketing and environmental education, among other

We had plenty in stock but no way to display it. My only

topics. “The idea is not only to qualify them profession-

customers were the neighbors. Now, people some-

ally but to help them regain their sense of citizenship

times drive by, see the items on display, and come in to

and boost their self-esteem,” says Wellington Ribeiro.

buy them.” Another valuable lesson: controlling costs

In addition to taking classes, the entrepreneurs

and setting a monthly withdrawal. “I’ve also learned

receive monthly visits from SEBRAE mentors, are en-

to buy, sell, and take care of the inventory. It used to

couraged to register their companies, and can use a

be that I’d go shopping and have no idea of what was

support fund to enhance and expand their businesses.

needed in the store. I’ve also started adding our costs

“We realized that physical limitations were inhibiting

to the final price. I didn’t used to take into account what

their growth. It’s hard to talk about giving good cus-

I spent on gasoline, on lunch... And I’d get the store’s

tomer service when they often lack the basics, like ta-

earnings mixed up with the household budget. Pre-

bles, chairs, shelves and a freezer,” says Leana Mattei,

viously, my daughter would ask me for BRL 10 and I

who is in charge of Social/Environmental Development

wouldn’t keep a record of it. Now I have things under

at the Bahia Norte Concessionaire.

control,” explains Maria Aparecida.

Using resources from the project’s support fund, Marcos Santana not only bought another freezer for his establishment but registered his restaurant and

Dengue prevention, traffic education and digital inclusion

obtained a federal tax number (CNPJ). His initiative

The Rota das Bandeiras Concessionaire, which

is already paying off: “Sometimes I’d lose customers

runs the Dom Pedro Corridor highways, has deployed

Marcos Santana: losing business without official invoices

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Aquelina Moreira: “I’m making a company’s uniforms

three social projects covering 17 counties in São Paulo

Hit the Net, in turn, is directed at people of all ages

State. The Action against Dengue program is staging

and will be deployed in 17 municipalities. The five-

a play called “The Lost Boys against Captain Dengue

year goal for this program is to set up 150 classrooms

and his Mosquitoes” in schools in Campinas, Paulínia,

throughout the Dom Pedro Corridor. “This is a digital

Atibaia, Cosmópolis, Mogi Guaçu and Louveira. More

inclusion project that aims to offer communities ac-

than 1,200 students have seen the play to date. “We

cess to information, knowledge and relationships.

found that there were dengue epidemics in six towns

The local governments provide the facilities where

and cities on the Dom Pedro Corridor, so we produced

the classrooms are installed, and we cover the costs

the play and are presenting it in schools in the districts

of remodeling and equipment,” explains Adherbal. Hit

with the highest incidence of the disease, according to

the Net offers 20-hour courses on the basics of com-

the Municipal Health Department. The idea is to teach

puting. Currently, it is active in 10 classrooms in three

kids to prevent and combat dengue,” explains Rota das

towns, with a total of 280 students.

Bandeiras Social Responsibility Manager Adherbal Vieira da Silva.

Helping passengers

Elementary school students are also the target

SuperVia Apprentice is a project focused on the

audience of Route of Education, a traffic education

company itself: it is part of the program of improve-

program that also enables kids to learn about mo-

ments that the concessionaire is implementing in rail

bility, citizenship and the environment. The program

transportation in Rio de Janeiro. “The focus is on cus-

is currently underway in 22 municipal schools in

tomer service; the goal is to better serve our clients,”

seven towns: Conchal, Igaratá, Jarinu, Bom Jesus

explains Roberta Tanajura, the officer Responsible for

dos Perdões, Artur Nogueira, Mogi Guaçu and Ita-

People and Organization. The project has selected 160

tiba. “We provide training for teachers from the 1st

young people between the ages of 18 to 22, many of

to 5th grades. The goal is for children to pass on

them the company members’ children. Their job is to

what they learn to their families and friends,” ex-

answer questions and help passengers with disabili-

plains Adherbal.

ties to get around.

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“The idea arose when I paid a visit to Companhia

Mudes Foundation, where they took classes in citizen-

Paulista Trens Metropolitanos in São Paulo, which

ship, customer service, Portuguese and basic infor-

has a similar project. Our young apprentices receive a

mation about rail systems.

grant that goes beyond what the Apprentice Law stipu-

They are also applying what they learned in the

lates. They are entitled to social security, health care

classroom to their personal lives. “I’m very shy. I came

and their full rights according to Brazilian labor laws.

here with the aim of coming out of my shell, and get-

And we have already received numerous compliments

ting over my shyness. Another thing I’ve learned is to

about their work through the Customer Service Cen-

be more patient and not get stressed out,” says Mari-

ter,” says Sonia Antunes proudly. She is the company’s

ana Lopes, 19, who lives in Morro da Providência and

Commercial Officer and the creator of the program.

wants to go to college and become an archivist or so-

SuperVia trains carry 540,000 passengers per day,

cial worker. The opportunity to work for SuperVia, her

on average. The company operates 270 km of tracks

first job experience, has also enabled Mariana to con-

that run through Rio de Janeiro and 11 counties in

tinue taking a prep course for college admissions ex-

the metropolitan area (Duque de Caxias, Nova Iguaçu,

ams. “I’ve started studying in the mornings. It’s a piece

Nilópolis, Mesquita, Queimados, São João de Meriti,

of cake – I work six hours a day,” she says.

Belford Roxo, Japeri, Magé, Paracambi and Guapi-

A resident of Engenho Novo, Lucas Silva Carvalho, 18, is a high school graduate who is looking for his

mirim). The program received more than 2,000 résumés

first job opportunity before going to college. He wants

during the process of selecting apprentices. The young

to study Advertising, and can already see a future for

participants, most of whom live near the railway sta-

himself with the company: “I’ve heard that SuperVia

tion, were recruited and trained for two weeks by the

is thinking of putting apprentices to good use in other

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ages students to read and write in the early years of elementary school. To do so, Via School provides ongoing training to 397 educators, including teachers, supervisors, principals and members of the technical staffs of the Departments of Education in the three participating

“They used to read because they had to, but now they like it. Today the students know the authors’ names, and take better care of the books”

municipalities. “Our social outreach programs in general used to be carried out on an ad hoc basis in certain communities for a specific time. We were looking for a more enduring program that all the concessionaires could adopt. Via School is the first step in this new policy. We’ve decided to focus on basic education, but the initial stages of literacy are a crucial time in a child’s education. The idea is to replicate the program in all our concessionaires and share this experience with other companies,” explains Odebrecht TransPort Regional Director (North/Northeast/Midwest) Renato Mello. “I’ve worked in the municipal school system for 17 years, and now I see a program that makes me happy and excited. This focus on training was exactly what we needed. We’re just getting started, but today the library is no longer closed,” says Arleide Santana Vieira, an Elemen-

Vilma Guedes

tary School 1 educational supervisor at José Rodovalho Municipal School in Jaboatão dos Guararapes. “They used to read because they had to, but now they like it. Today, the students know the authors’ names, and take better care of the books,” adds Vilma Guedes, who teaches the early

areas after our contract expires. I could find a place in

grades of Elementary School 1 at Maria Madalena Tabosa

their marketing or PR program.”

Municipal School, in Cabo de São Agostinho. “The project works directly with the technical staff

Quality education

and indirectly encompasses the entire school system,

“Most concessionaire members live in neighbor-

but the dream is to reach all the schools. We want a

ing communities, and some have kids who are study-

project that is not paternalistic; one that the local gov-

ing in schools participating in the Via School Program,

ernment can keep going with its own teacher trainers,”

which helps get them more involved in their children’s

explains Flávia Queiroz.

education,” says Flávia Queiroz, the Sustainability co-

This is already starting to happen in Jaboatão dos

ordinator at the Rota dos Coqueiros concessionaire in

Guararapes: “The pilot schools we chose were the

Pernambuco. The company started Via School in 2012

ones with the lowest IDEBS (Basic Education Develop-

in partnership with the Cornélio Brennand Group. This

ment Index). The results of education take a long time

social responsibility program aims to help develop ba-

in coming, but the improvements are already visible.

sic education through the continuous training of edu-

We want to raise educational indicators and reduce

cators from schools in the highway’s sphere of influ-

the dropout rate and age/grade disparity. Supervisors

ence in the municipalities of Jaboatão dos Guararapes,

at the pilot schools are training other supervisors who

Cabo de Santo Agostinho and Ipojuca. A pilot project

go on to train their teachers. We have also exchanged

that is expected to be firmly consolidated by 2014, Via

experiences with other municipalities. The goal is to

School is already active in 19 schools.

ensure this is not a government policy but a State

Using a method developed by the Chapada Education and Research Institute (ICEP), the program encour-

policy,” says Edilene Soares, the Municipal Education Secretary for that county.

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Trusting their own

abilities

18 18

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In Panama, a partnership takes information about combating HIV/AIDS to the jobsites

written by Claudio Lovato Filho photos by Geraldo Pestalozzi

Workers at the Metro Line 1 jobsite in Panama City: beneficiaries and agents of an exchange of information

rlando Quintero’s daily routine involves

Fortunately, Probidsida got a significant boost

a profusion of visits to communities,

in its struggle to overcome those obstacles in 2011

government agencies and educational

when it signed a partnership with Odebrecht Pana-

institutions, media contacts, and more

ma. The company views supporting the foundation

recently, construction sites. Those more

Orlando Quintero heads as an opportunity to help

attached to numbers would say he does not show

the country find a solution to a serious problem by

the 57 years shown on his ID card. A pediatrician by

strengthening some of its most reputable, experi-

training, he could not slow his pace if he wanted to.

enced institutions. Through this partnership, Probid-

Quintero is the founder and Executive Director of the

sida is now conducting all the employment medical

Foundation for the Welfare and Dignity of Persons

tests for Odebrecht’s projects in that country. This,

Affected by HIV/AIDS (Probidsida), an NGO that is a

however, was just the first step in their relationship.

model for combating the AIDS virus in Panama.

Contributing its specific focus and primary mis-

Using a map on the wall of his office at Probid-

sion, Probidsida has worked synergistically with

sida’s headquarters in downtown Panama City, Quin-

Odebrecht Panama’s Sustainability team to orga-

tero shows the Odebrecht Informa team the situa-

nize an extensive campaign to combat HIV/AIDS that

tion of his country with regard to the incidence of HIV

benefits company members, their families and the

infection. Quintero, who discovered that he was HIV

communities where they live. However, they also

positive 25 years ago and created Probidsia in 1998,

involve a broad alliance between businesses and

points to the colors and numbers on the map and

exchanges between Panamanian and Brazilian re-

says, with a tone of regret but without dismay, that

search institutions to share experiences and trans-

Panama is among the six countries with the highest

fer technology.

rates of the disease in the Americas. Estimates are

Cooperation agreements are currently being stud-

that there are 20,000 to 30,000 HIV-positive people in

ied and defined, but 15 companies based in Panama

Panama. That’s a large number for a country with a

have already joined the Business Committee for the

population of under 3.5 million.

program, which means that they have undertaken to

“This situation is due to a combination of factors,”

adopt corporate policies and projects to combat HIV.

says Quintero. “We have large ports on the Pacific

“Odebrecht is the spearhead in Panama in this pro-

and Atlantic coasts, there is a steady influx of tour-

cess in which large companies have taken an inter-

ists, and the nightlife in our major cities is quite hec-

est due to the importance of this issue. They need to

tic. But the main problem is the lack of sex educa-

understand that they must ensure the protection of

tion. We face many obstacles to speaking openly, in

their most important asset, which is people and their

the classrooms, about the importance of using con-

knowledge.”

doms, for example.” These barriers, erected by stubborn conservatism

Life at the jobsites

in powerful sectors of society, are not the only ones

On the jobsites, workers’ participation in the cam-

that Probidsida has had to face. Until recently, it was

paigns that the Probidsida and Odebrecht team orga-

a major challenge for Quintero and his team to get

nized have surpassed the highest expectations. The

the financial and material resources they needed

attendance rate at lectures is over 90%. After the lec-

to keep the foundation going. It has 42 people on its

tures, which are given by foundation members who

staff, who are responsible, among many other ser-

share their personal experiences, almost everyone in

vices, for hospital and home visits, producing edu-

the audience decides to take the HIV test offered and

cational materials, providing psychological guidance

administered by the Probidsida team. The results are

and legal aid, and organizing information campaigns

completely confidential. One of the campaigns, titled

focusing on prevention, besides conducting tests

“AIDS is not a game,” carried out throughout 2012,

(HIV and general), and providing aftercare following

included the distribution of publications and an invi-

HIV tests. Despite the Federal Government’s support,

tation to be tested. It raised the awareness of more

the challenges were growing.

than 3,000 workers.

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Doctors Orlando Quintero and (standing, rear) Belkis Santamaría with Probidsida members: a partnership that is producing results for the nation

For the Metro Line 1 construction project in Pan-

the work we are doing with our partner Probidsida

ama City, Probidsida has set up a clinic through its

as a model and a benchmark,” she adds. This is

own investments in equipment. That unit has con-

Probdsida team member Marlene Ribas’s first ex-

ducted more than 20,000 tests, including audiom-

perience of working on a construction site. Previ-

etry (hearing), EKGs, EEGs and X-rays, in addition to

ously, she had never left the lab. “It’s very moving to

testing for HIV.

watch people struggle to get well and improve their

Dr. Belkis Santamaría, a specialist in emergency

quality of life,” she says.

and occupational medicine, is the officer Respon-

Probidsida arrived at the Metro Line 1 construc-

sible for Health on the Metro Line 1 project. She

tion site in September 2011. According to Project

leads a team of 28 people with the support of 20

Director Marcos Tepedino: “Probidsida is doing

Probidsida members. Belkis is a constant presence

excellent work, providing high-quality services to

at the construction site, where she visits the various

the company and therefore to society. Through this

work fronts, chatting with members, checking their

partnership, we have been able to help the insti-

working conditions and establishing a relationship

tution develop a corporate vision and strengthen

of trust.

itself.” Orlando Quintero agrees with Tepedino’s

“There are more than 4,000 people working on

observation: “This has been a new experience for

this project, which has tremendous national visibil-

Probidsida, with the hallmark of education. It’s a

ity,” observes Belkis. “Our partner companies view

win-win relationship.”

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FOLKS A professional in his environment

Getting to know the neighbors

Rafael and a pioneering program to rescue plant and animal life

iologist Rafael

Minerva and the feeling of being of use to her country

uring her work for the United Nations, for several years Minerva Gómez closely followed the elections

held in Nicaragua, El Salvador, South Africa and Mozam-

Tamashiro,

bique after armed conflicts. She explains that before she

41, was born in Lima

joined Odebrecht, she had no idea that there were peo-

and has worked in

ple right there near her home on the Panama Canal who

Peruvian conserva-

were living in poverty and violence similar to what she

tion parks in recent

had seen in those countries. Minerva holds a law degree

years. He is currently

and has led Odebrecht’s social programs at the Curundu

the officer ResponLorena Carrillo

sible for Environment at Odebrecht Peru during construction of the Chaglla

Urban Renewal Project in Panama City for two and a half years. Odebrecht is supporting government initiatives to educate and place people in the job market. “I would like the urban and human transformation that we are seeing in Curundú to happen in other communities. I feel that I

hydroelectric power plant, which is underway in a region located between the rain

am being useful to my country,” she says.

forest and the peaks of the Andes. Created almost 50 years ago, Tingo María National Park is nearby. Rafael and his team have implemented a pioneering plant and animal rescue program in Peru. They study orchids, provide support for research at the Universidad Nacional

fish from rivers in the project area. “We are innovating through environmental programs that help preserve and add value to my country’s natural heritage,” he says, clearly pleased.

Geraldo Pestalozzi

vian biodiversity. Rafael also helps rescue and relocate

foto:

tile species, thereby increasing our knowledge of Peru-

Holanda Cavalcanti

Agraria de la Selva (Unas), and have identified new rep-

A rewarding journey Young Thamara, and her dream of becoming a leader at Braskem

hamara Wanderley, 24, was born in Alagoinhas, Bahia. Currently a chemical industrial processes technician, she is about to get a degree in Engineering.

She now works as an operator at the Thermal Unit of the Energy and Essential Services Industry (IESE), which is responsible for generating steam for Braskem units and several clients at the Camaçari Complex in Bahia. Thamara has taken part in one of the most rigorous selection processes to get where she is today. The Camaçari Industrial Advancement Committee (Cofic) offers a course for industrial

Beg Figueiredo

operators. There were 3,000 candidates in February 2010, and just 60 were selected to take the course. Thamara was one of the 18 participants invited to become a trainee at Braskem’s Basic Feedstocks Unit. “The entire process was terrific. I want to become a Braskem leader one day,” she says.

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a jobsite that

schools Literacy, professional education, social reinsertion: the Fonte Nova Arena is already the setting of memorable victories written by Ricardo Sangiovanni photos by Márcio Lima

very batch of concrete mixed to make

That initiative is part of a range of social programs

the Fonte Nova Arena’s massive sup-

developed by the joint venture building the arena,

porting piers in Salvador, Bahia, con-

formed by Odebrecht Infraestrutura (Infrastructure)

tained a dose of sweat from Edmilson

and OAS, and which has benefited both company mem-

da Silva Santos, 39. A carpenter, he

bers and the community.

is one of the workers who produce the concrete

As he says himself, before taking the course, Ga-

pieces that make up the new arena’s monumental

lego’s Portuguese was “rough, really rough.” He ob-

structure. However, the greatest masterpiece Ed-

serves that he learned to read and pronounce “hard

milson (better known as Galego) has produced is

words” during the course. “Now I’m much better at

something else altogether: his own signature. He is

communicating, and I can help my daughter [Mônica,

one of the 15 workers at the site who completed a

age 9] with her homework,” he says proudly.

one-year literacy course at the Productivity School in September.

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Going from literacy to first-class citizenship is just a small step forward. “Thanks to this course, I feel better

Edmilson da Silva Santos: “Now I’m much better at communicating”

qualified; I feel that I am a professional and am worthy,

Opportunity

that I am a Brazilian citizen,” says Salvador Lisboa Con-

Attention soccer fans: please don’t forget that it was

ceição, 59, one of Galego’s co-workers. Salvador, who

Márcia da Conceição Santos, 31, who painted the facilities

was already literate but needed to refresh his knowl-

at the Fonte Nova Arena from top to bottom: “You should

edge, is a steelfixer (a member of the team responsible

know that it was me who painted everything you see when

for assembling the steel beams that support the con-

you come to watch a game,” she stresses. She was hired

crete). “My work doesn’t get that much attention, since

nine months ago, thanks to the Next Step program, which

it’s going to be out of sight,” he jokes.

selects Family Grant beneficiaries to work at the jobsite.

However, Salvador will have something much more

The joint venture selected and trained 18 people

valuable to show: a “passport” from the Odebrecht/

to participate in that program in partnership with the

OAS joint venture awarded to the course’s graduates as

Department of Labor, Employment, Income and Sport

certification for the training program. “This will help us

in Bahia (SETRE) and the National Industrial Training

to open doors in the future. It’s quite a ‘résumé’.”

Service (SENAI) and hired 10 of them. The 200-hour

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of the Fonte Nova Arena’s social programs: “We want to show that this is not just a construction project; not just a stadium. We are a group of people who want to leave a legacy.” In addition to the programs that focus on members, there are others which benefit the general public. One example is Hit the Net, a partnership with 15 suppliers that has financed the purchase of computers which will eventually be donated to the community. Hit the Net offers digital inclusion courses for residents in the neighborhoods in the vicinity of the Arena. This program has already benefited 131 people. One of them is secretary Leila Góes Pereira, 46, who had been unemployed because she lacked computer skills. The intensive 15-hour course was an important boost Tatiana dos Santos: decision to take a construction course in the near future

for her career. “I didn’t want to be left behind anymore,” she says, clearly thrilled with her achievement. The Arena’s social outreach programs also include a partnership with Junior Achievement, a company that concentrates on identifying potential entrepre-

course included 40 hours of general knowledge (read-

neurs among children and adolescents. Professionals

ing, logical reasoning and occupational safety, among

from various areas of the Arena project have provided

other topics), and 160 hours of technical training, such

training and taught introductory courses on entrepre-

as steelfixing for beam rebars, carpentry, scaffolding

neurship attended by about 1,000 young people from

assembly and masonry.

public schools in Salvador through this partnership.

Márcia explains that she has already done “something

One of the “teachers” was engineer Igor Coelho Dan-

of everything” at the site. “My strong point is painting, but if

tas, 26, who has taught the basics of finance, adminis-

a co-worker needs help with something else, I’m ready to

tration, feasibility studies and marketing to young people

lend a hand. I come to work on public holidays; I’m a ‘Jill of

between the ages of 15 and 17. “People from the low-

all trades’.”

income segment of society face so many hardships that

Tatiana Próculo dos Santos, 34, who has been working

it sometimes puts a damper on young people’s desire to

at the Arena for just over a year, was also hired through the

become entrepreneurs. Junior Achievement shows that

Next Step program. She started out as an assistant brick-

becoming an entrepreneur is not as hard as it seems,”

layer, and was promoted in just six months. “I took the

he observes.

blueprint interpretation course [at SENAI, with the Arena’s encouragement], and now I’m an appropriator [the professional who checks the progress of each procedure for a sector of the job].”

Of all the programs that Thiago and his team coordinate, one is more sensitive and, at the same time, more

Motivated by her new responsibilities, Tatiana has al-

audacious. It is the New Start program, an initiative that

ready decided on her next step: she will take a technical

focuses on the social reinsertion of people convicted by

construction course next year, as soon as the Arena proj-

the courts.

ect is completed.

Legacy

Challenge

Developed in partnership with the National Justice Council (CNJ) and SETRE, the program selects prisoners who qualify for a work-release program and en-

The officer Responsible for Communication, People

ables them to learn construction skills before recom-

and Organization and Social Outreach at the joint ven-

mending them for employment. Fourteen people have

ture, Thiago Cunha sums up the aim of the full spectrum

taken part in the program at the Arena so far.

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Salvador Conceição: feeling more qualified and valued

Márcia da Conceição Santos: “You should know that it was me who painted everything that you see when you come to watch a game”

Their inclusion in the consortium’s teams follows strict confidentiality procedures regarding their status among their co-workers. Only their direct leaders have access to this information and undertake a commitment to fully integrate them and give them equal treatment. One of the members who started working at the construction site through this program has been a scaffolding assembler since December 2011. He asked the

Odebrecht Informa team not to publish his name, and says he is reaching the end of his 16-year sentence. One day is deducted from his jail time for every three days worked, so he hopes to be released in 2013. For now, his daily routine includes getting up early, going to work at the Arena and returning to the facility where he is confined at the end of the day. According to the program’s regulations, he has a right to 70% of the pay of a conventionally employed company member. However, due to his good behavior and performance, he has received the same pay as regular co-workers since his second month there, as well as overtime, basic food supplies and a 13th-monthly salary. “You have to want things. It’s a feeling that has to grow inside you. And I wanted this: I saw the opportunity and it came,” he says. “This opportunity makes me very happy. It’s a joy and a pleasure. I feel like I’m just the same as anybody else,” he observes, adding, with a repressed smile: “The truth is, I am.”

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champions Spirit of

written by Boécio Vidal Lannes photos by Américo Vermelho

26 26

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The Maracanã stadium jobsite houses several educational and social outreach programs

hen Maracanã is delivered to the public in February 2013, Brazil will be getting much more than a soccer stadium, revamped after 30 months of work. Its 60 concrete piers, bleachers seating up to 79,000 peo-

ple and reinstalled grass are evidence and testimony to numerous stories of overcoming challenges. This is the experience of the 5,700 members – 5,400 men and 300 women – who make up Maracanã Rio 2014, the joint venture of Odebrecht and Andrade Infrastructure Gutierrez that is revamping the stadium. Over the course of the project, managers, field engineers and supervisors are guiding each professional working in their areas to ensure maximum quality, efficiency and safety for Mário Filho Stadium (as it is officially called). It is named for a sports journalist who fought a veritable battle with the authorities of his time to ensure that that huge circular structure, a temple of world soccer, was erected on the Maracanã River 62 years ago. Alongside the technical education Group members receive, classrooms have been set up with a focus on educational and social outreach programs the joint venture has organized to offer digital inclusion and first-class citizenship to members who want something more in life and their profession. After work, they set their tools aside and use pens, notebooks and computers. With watchful eyes, they follow every explanation their teachers give them in five different programs. All of these members share traits in common: grit, motivation, optimism and commitment.

Professional education and citizenship Field Education project student, José Ronaldo Dias, 32, is a cement mixer operator. Born in the northeastern state of Alagoas, he is now working on his third Odebrecht Infraestrutura (Infrastructure) project in Rio. Previously, he worked on João Havelange Olympic Stadium (Engenhão) and provided services through the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) in the Complexo do Alemão shantytown, where he lives with his wife and 6-year-old son. Carried out in partnership with the Social Service of Industry (SESI), the Field Education project provides an opportunity to study for people who cannot read or write, or never went past the 5th grade. José Ronaldo says that his life is much better since he enrolled in the project in January 2012. “Now I can Schoolteacher Lídia Mota and her class of workerstudents: “It’s a pleasure to see how hard they try”

talk about hydroelectric, wind and solar power. I learned it all from my teacher,” he says, referring to Lídia Mota, who teaches at Maracanã stadium Mondays through Thursdays. For her, teaching her 25 worker-students is “a pleasure,” especially when she sees how hard her class works to catch up.

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“Companies should not only train skilled profes-

comes up with several suggestions and joint reflec-

sionals but also introduce programs that foster citi-

tions and guidelines that help the joint venture’s

zenship,” argues Wilson Busanello, the Administrative

management make decisions about the project’s

and Financial Manager for the project. Known as the

day-to-day operations.

“Mayor of Maracanã,” he joined Odebrecht in 1978 and

The only two women in the breakfast room, Kássia

now leads a team of 300 professionals. “Every day, our

Angelo de Oliveira and Débora da Silva Oliveira, both

kitchen produces 12,000 bread rolls, and cooks 450

23 years old and working as electricians on the Ma-

kilos rice, 250 kilos of beans and 1,200 kilos of meat,”

racanã project, say that their lives have changed for

he says.

the better after learning a trade. Débora, whose nails are impeccable, shares her secret: “I paint them ev-

Breakfast with the Leader

ery week there in Morro da Mangueira, where I live.”

Another outstanding initiative being carried out

Kássia observes that, strange as it may seem, she

during the Maracanã project is the Breakfast with

loves “the work environment.”

the Leader program. For the first 15 minutes, the at-

Every edition of Breakfast with the Leader brings a

mosphere is tense. After all, having breakfast with

surprise: a former professional soccer player is invit-

the “boss” is not the easiest situation for a group of

ed to join in and motivate the team. The guest for the

13 professionals, including 11 men and two women.

seventh edition, which the Odebrecht Informa team

They are in that room with a single goal: to speak

attended, was Ricardo Rocha, who played on the

openly with their leaders about various work-related

Brazil squad in two FIFA World Cups, in 1990 in Italy,

issues and find solutions on the spot. To break the

and in 1994 in the United States. He suffered a seri-

ice, the first topic of the day is soccer. But gradually,

ous injury in the opening game in the US, but stayed

between one cup of coffee and another, the group

on the bench at his teammates’ request to keep their spirits up with his good cheer. In fact, being cheerful

Hit the Net student Elder de Souza Santos: personifying a legacy that goes far beyond a soccer stadium

and upbeat is his registered trademark. After telling a few jokes, he faces the rest of the group and concludes, seriously: “Today, you are [Brazilian soccer star] Neymar. You’ve got the ball. When Maracanã is ready, bring your children here and tell them you built it.” Project Director, Paulo Falcão, introduced Ricardo Rocha to the participants and took the opportunity to reveal a secret. He told them that he had arranged with the authorities in Rio de Janeiro to have the names of all the joint venture’s members engraved on a large plaque at Maracanã. They all loved the news.

The 10 Commandments and Hit the Net Other programs that are a source of pride for everyone working on the jobsite are the Maracanã Leaders’ 10 Commandments and Hit the Net. The 10 Commandments, introduced on April 28, 2012, is a document put together by 284 leaders and supervi-

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Former Brazil squad member Ricardo Rocha: “When Maracanã is ready, tell your kids that you built it”

sors during the joint venture’s two-month leader-

and bricklayers. Students must pass an eight- to

ship training course. They all agreed to follow the 10

12-month course to receive their certificates.

commandments they had drawn up themselves, and

Andressa Miguel da Costa graduated in July 2012,

to meet the deadline for delivering the project. The

and is already part of the team revamping Maracanã.

commandments are written on colored badges the

At 23, she dreams of becoming an architect or civil

leaders wear on their chests. In view of all this en-

engineer. “I took the course because it represents

thusiasm, Paulo Falcão observes: “Motivation makes

another step in my career. I want to go to college, but

things get around, and now I feel that everyone is

right now I need to work to pay my tuition. The brick-

motivated.”

layer’s certificate is just the first step.”

“My life began again with the resumption of Maracanã,” confessed Elder de Souza Santos, 30, when he was about to receive his certificate of completion

José Ronaldo Dias: opportunity to read, write and express himself better

for the Hit the Net project, where students learn the basics of the Internet. He is keen to stress the progress he has made with his computer skills. “I’m going to use Excel to plan my finances.” The father of two girls, Thainá and Eliza, this bricklayer from Rio de Janeiro seizes every opportunity the joint venture offers. Besides Hit the Net, he has also taken two occupational safety courses – First Aid and Confined Space. Elder says he will spend Carnival 2013 in Arraial do Cabo, a town with beautiful beaches on the north coast of Rio de Janeiro State. “But this year I’ll search the web for a house to rent,” he adds.

Young Apprentice A successful partnership with SENAI, the Young Apprentice program has already provided job skills to more than 100 young people, helping them become electricians, carpenters, administrative assistants

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carefully

cultivating the future

The Arena Education and Acreditar programs create growth prospects in Pernambuco, Brazil

written by Renata Meyer photos by Lia Lubambo

Elivaldo dos Santos: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Acreditar is making dreams come trueâ&#x20AC;?

30 informa

hen she hung up the phone that day in October, Graziele da Silva Brito, 20, could barely

hide her joy. She had just been called by a recruitment company, which invited her to take part in the hiring process for the operations area of a major supermarket chain. That opportunity came days after Graziele received her certificate of completion of a computer course through the Arena Education project, which Odebrecht Infraestrutura (Infrastructure) offers in the Santa Mônica community near the Pernambuco Are-

Young Graziele Brito and her mother, Ivonete: ready for the requirements of today’s world

na construction works, underway in São Lourenço da Mata, in the Recife metropolitan area.

According to course instructor Rafael Batista

“The course has made a big difference to my

(whose total workload is 60 hours), knowing your

résumé and opened the doors of the job market.

way around a computer is a prerequisite for deal-

Today, almost all areas of a supermarket require

ing with the challenges of the future. “This kind of

computer skills,” says Graziele, who took the first

program is essential for every company that has a

class available, from June to September 2012. “I

broad view of what society will require going for-

learned to use a computer, access the Internet and

ward. More and more, we are going to need profes-

run some programs. Today, I feel better prepared to

sionals who can work with new technologies, and

use this tool,” she adds.

the attention that Odebrecht is devoting to the Santa

Ivonete da Silva Brito, Graziele’s mother, decided to follow in her daughter’s footsteps and enroll in

Mônica community will surely be repaid in the form of a better-qualified workforce.”

the program. At 38, she is making her first forays into the digital universe. “Computer skills have be-

The power of Acreditar

come a basic requirement for any job. I saw lots of

Arena Education is not the only program that is

people being laid off at the company where I worked

creating fresh prospects for workers who live in the

because they didn’t know how to use a computer. I

vicinity of the Pernambuco Arena jobsite. Elivaldo

don’t want to be left behind,” says the housewife,

Paulino dos Santos, 28, is proof of that. A former

who plans to return to the job market in the near

shopkeeper, Elivaldo was working as a clerk in a

future.

candy store in São Lourenço da Mata’s Public Mar-

Organized in partnership with the Social Service

ket when he heard a car equipped with loudspeak-

of Industry (SESI), Arena Education contributes to

ers announce enrollment for Acreditar (Believe), an

the digital inclusion of adults by teaching them ba-

Odebrecht program created to provide workers with

sic computer skills free of charge. The hour-long

job skills in the construction trade.

classes are held twice a week, and include theory

Elivaldo says that many of his friends thought

and practice. The educational program expects to

the program was too good to be true, because it is

have trained 100 people by the time the construc-

free, but his desire to work in a different field for a

tion project is completed.

large company motivated him to apply. After joining

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Rafael Batista: commitment to future citizens

the eighth class and passing a test, he was hired to

Now growing 622 seedlings, the nursery is also

work on the Pernambuco Arena project. His voice

the target of some of the waste the jobsite gener-

is choked with emotion when he describes how he

ates. “Here, plastic cups, ice bags and sawdust get

felt that day: “I really wanted that opportunity. I be-

put to different uses,” says Elivaldo, who is also one

lieved that my day would come, and thankfully it did.

of the instigators of the Environmental Education

Acreditar is making dreams come true, and thanks

Program, which Odebrecht Infraestrutura spon-

to this opportunity, I was able to put my daughter in

sors in São Lourenço da Mata. Through this initia-

private school, pay for a health plan and open a sav-

tive, company members visit local schools to teach

ings account so she can go to college one day. Now

children and adolescents the basics of environmen-

I can also take my daughter to the playground at the

tal preservation. The visitors choose multipliers

mall, and for me, her smile is priceless,” he says,

to pass on the lessons they have learned to their

clearly moved.

classmates and families. Finally, the children and

Elivaldo took the Acreditar course in July 2011. Then, in September of that year, he began working at

company members plant seedlings in the schoolyards.

the Pernambuco Arena jobsite as an assistant and was

“We hope to ensure the continuity of all the so-

soon promoted to operations manager. That’s when

cial programs we have implemented in this region.

a new opportunity arose: working in the environment

Through Acreditar alone, we have empowered

area, a long-held aspiration for Elivaldo. Born and

more than 500 people and invested BRL 600,000.

raised in São Lourenço da Mata, he is now responsible

This is essential to keep pace with the state’s high

for operating the jobsite’s wastewater treatment plant.

growth prospects, which will generate a strong

He has also helped set up the plant nursery used to

demand for skilled workers in the coming years,”

restore the Permanent Protection Areas on the banks

says Pernambuco Arena Project Director Bruno

of the Capibaribe River near the future stadium.

Dourado.

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Egon Hoennicke with his wife, Alzira: “An angel saved my life”

eagerly awaited

visits

Foz do Brasil’s program to train health visitors has already groomed over 1,200 people

written by João Marcondes photos by Celso Doni

na Paula Cabral de Castro’s childhood was no bed of roses. Her father and mother had problems with alcoholism in the small Brazilian town of Cristalândia, Tocantins. Thin, her skin dark from the sun, the young girl

heard whispers that she “would never get anywhere in life.” She was eventually raised by her grandmother, Rosa, a tough woman who smiled little and believed in strict discipline. Accustomed to swimming against the tide, at the age of 9, Ana made posters with cardboard and magic marker for meetings of the local Residents’ Association, chaired by an uncle. During those meetings, she would sit on a stool, concentrating, her eyes narrowed, listening to the residents’ complaints. Everything she heard fermented in her mind.

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Health visitor Ana Paula Cabral de Castro with Luiza França: a very special visit

Fast forward to 2012. Now working for the City of Pal-

water from the washing machine to clean the floor, as

mas, Ana Paula goes from house to house in the state

well as talking about waterborne diseases and sewage

capital of Tocantins as a health visitor for the Family

treatment.

Health Program. The home of Luiza Lima França, 76, is

Focused on health visitors, the program is currently

one of her favorite stops. Luiza suffers from diabetes and

being deployed in Foz’s operations in Cachoeiro do Itape-

lost her husband, Vicente, just two months ago. She is

merim, Espírito Santo; Blumenau, Santa Catarina; Sal-

in a state that is only relieved by a warm hug from the

vador, Bahia, and most of the state of Tocantins. It has

health visitor.

groomed over 1,200 health visitors through lectures by

Ana Paula visits over 200 homes on her route. Chil-

specialists who reveal the connection between health

dren, workers, pregnant women, teenagers, they are all

and sanitation to multipliers from the federal Family

under her care. “But what I like most is working with the

Health program.

elderly because they remind me of my grandmother,

According to Mônica Queiroz, the officer Responsible

who taught me everything in life.” Luiza serves coffee

for Sustainability at Foz do Brasil, the company aims to

and cheese buns, and says: “Ana Paula is the one every-

develop programs that familiarize the public with sanita-

one wants. She is one of us. An extension of the family.”

tion issues so they will understand how it impacts their health and quality of life. In addition to training health

“Public service from the viewpoint of health”

visitors, Foz has partnered up with the Ministry of Health

Ana Paula is now 34 years old. Like other health

ties allow us to view public service from the perspective

visitors in Tocantins, she has taken a training program

to sponsor a dengue prevention program. “These activiof health,” says Mônica.

organized by Saneatins, a subsidiary of Foz do Brasil,

In Brazil, 15 children aged 0 to 4 years die every day

which aims to include sanitation in the approach to fam-

due to a lack of sanitation (according to data from the

ily health visits. At Luiza’s home, for example, Ana Paula

Getúlio Vargas Foundation/Trata Brasil). The relation-

discusses the need to clean the water tank and reuse

ship between water and health should be obvious to ev-

informa

eryone, but it is not. Even during their training, the health

The company gets a warm welcome when it visits

visitors first have to make a change in themselves, their

people’s houses, many of them half-timbered, built in a

homes and their families. “The best way to get people to

typically German style. The home of retiree Egon Hoen-

follow your lead is to set an example,” says Lenice Fer-

niche, 72, is no exception. “That blonde angel saved my

nandes, who is responsible for the program at Saneatins

life,” he says enthusiastically, pointing to head nurse Vera

and trains and empowers health visitors.

Janete Piesanti, from the Family Health Strategy Unit, lo-

Adriana Abel Penedo, a consultant who has trained over 400 health visitors, follows a line of reasoning: “Wa-

cated near the Glória district. Her team came to Egon’s aid when he was suffering from acute gastroenteritis.

ter as ethics for life.” She explains: “People assume they

Vera got her training “indirectly” by sending her health

can just let water go to waste, like leaving a faucet run-

workers to a Foz-sponsored event. When they returned,

ning while brushing their teeth, because they pay the bill

she noticed that they were all commenting excitedly about

and it won’t make much difference. That attitude has to

what they had learned, and she wanted to learn all about

change because it affects the welfare of countless other

it. “I didn’t know what sewage treatment was all about. I

living beings.” Worldwide, about 1.2 billion people con-

didn’t even know there was a plant near here.”

sume unsafe water (according to the World Health Orga-

She found that out from Liliana Dias Correa, 45, a

nization) that has not undergone any kind of treatment,

health visitor who took the course. Charismatic, Liliana

while others who have piped-in water in their homes let

has the gift of sharing knowledge, Whether with Egon

the precious liquid go down the drain.

and his wife, Alzira, or with Vera, her boss. “Around here, the hardest thing is to get people to clean the water tank

Green valleys

and convince them that water from septic tanks is often

Founded by 18 German immigrants in a verdant val-

a danger to their health,” she says. “This kind of work

ley in a bend of the Itajaí-Açu River, the city of Blumenau

has to be done bit by bit, one person at a time. The most

now entrusts part of its precious environmental assets

important thing is for us to change ourselves so we can

to Foz do Brasil, which treats locally produced sewage.

influence everything around us,” she argues.

Health visitor Mirian Ferreira da Silva with the Nunes Lopes Family: building new habits bit by bit

informa

INTERVIEW

Francisco Martins: relationships that last forever

informa

keeping his mind on

people T

written by Cláudio Lovato Filho photo by Geraldo Pestalozzi o this day, he still remembers Sev-

likes best with every word he says, in this inter-

erino, a small farmer of smaller

view Francisco speaks, above all, about personal

means who coupled a pulley to the

bonds. “We need to put ourselves in the place of

wheel of his Chevette to run the

the people we interact with and work for.”

pump that irrigated his vegetable

garden in Jataúba, in the arid region of the Bra-

Odebrecht Informa – Since the beginning of your

zilian state of Pernambuco in the late 1980s. He

career in 1986, when you graduated in Agronomy

also recalls Salvador, an organic coffee producer

from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco

in the Cordillera Escalera region of Peru who fi-

(UFRPE), you have devoted yourself to social work

nally managed to get decent sales for his prod-

in one way or another. What attracts you most to

uct, changing his life and those of many other

this type of activity?

people in his community over the past decade.

Francisco Martins – People. The opportunity to

And then there’s Hector, a teacher who does so-

get to know them, to work with them and learn

cial work in Chorrillo, one of the poorest com-

from them. Once I graduated, I went to work at the

munities in Panama City. But there are more

Pernambuco Department of Agriculture, where I

than just names etched in his memory. Fran-

worked on irrigation projects for small farmers.

cisco Martins does not forget any of them and

My first professional experience had a very strong

many others because he doesn’t want to and

social component. I realized that the biggest chal-

never could. “People are made up of their rela-

lenge was adapting solutions to the situation on

tionships with other people,” he says. “They are

the ground, and to do that, it was essential to un-

my baggage.” The officer Responsible for Sus-

derstand the beneficiaries’ daily lives.

tainability at Odebrecht Panama, and an agronomist by training, Francisco Leite Martins Neto

OI – And how is that done in practice?

was born in Caruaru, Pernambuco. As a child,

Francisco – By talking to people. When I worked at

he went to live in Olinda, a city that he still loves

the Agriculture Department, I was based in Recife,

with all his heart, along with the Recife Sport

but I traveled all around the state, in the arid region,

Club. Along with his wife, Barbara (who also

the hinterland… I would visit the homes of small

sets an example of belief in sustainability prac-

farmers and talk to them. They’d invite me to lunch

tices by leading a movement to improve condi-

and I’d listen to their stories. I remember how they

tions for cyclists in Panama City), he misses his

felt honored by our visits. They were very simple folk

son, Leo, 18, who lives in Recife. Displaying mo-

who put the fruits of their labor in their homes, on

tivation typical of someone who is doing what he

their tables. They were people with skin in the game.

informa

OI – In 1991, you left Pernambuco and went to

environmentally sensitive area. Among a range of

Europe to do graduate work in Water Resource

initiatives, we provided support for coffee producers

Management. To what extent was that experience

and the cooperative system in the Cordillera Escal-

important for you?

era. That was one of the most remarkable episodes

Francisco – I went to the UK on a scholarship from

of my life, because of the results achieved when

the British Council and spent nearly two years at

it came to improved socioeconomic conditions for

the National College of Agriculture. It was a very

those communities.

rewarding experience. I made friends from all over the world. And I learned even more about the im-

OI – Then, in September 2010, you finally joined

portance of listening and paying attention to others.

Odebrecht... Francisco – Yes, that’s right. Sérgio Leão [Re-

OI – On your return from the UK, you had your

sponsible for Sustainability at Odebrecht] and Fe-

first experience in the private sector. What was

lipe Cruz [now Investment Director at the Capanda

that like?

Complex in Angola] knew about my work in Ecuador

Francisco – In 1993 I went to work for Souza Cruz.

and Peru, and invited me to take on the challenge

Once again, I was working with small farmers, but

of being responsible for community outreach and

this time they grew tobacco on properties in the

climate change programs at Odebrecht Panama.

semiarid region of Pernambuco, Rio Grande do

At the time, the CEO, André Rabello, and his direct

Norte, Paraíba and Ceará. At the time, I was living

team were structuring the company’s Sustainability

in Patos, Paraíba. It was a very important learning

Program in that country. In 2013, I am also provid-

experience. After working in the public sector, I ex-

ing support for environmental programs.

perienced the reality of working for a large private company. That’s where I had my first contact with performance indicators. It was an extraordinary education. Then, in 1995, I went back to work for the State Government at the invitation of the late Miguel Arraes, and headed the Small Producer Support Program (PAPP). Four years later, I returned to the private sector. I joined Projetec’s team of consultants and spent 11 years there. It was a wonderful

“You don’t gain people’s trust with words, but with deeds”

working environment. The focus was always on the

Francisco Martins

social area. It was through Projetec that I started interacting professionally with Odebrecht.

OI – What was your first contact with Odebrecht like?

Francisco – When I was in Ecuador, I had another

OI – Panama is a small country, but at the same

opportunity to provide support for small producers

time it is socioeconomically and culturally diverse.

in an important agricultural development project

To what extent does this present a challenge in

called Carrizal-Chone, led by Project Director Eleu-

your work?

berto Martorelli. After that, I worked for the IIRSA

Francisco – It’s both challenging and rewarding. On

North [Highway] in Peru, again with Martorelli, a

the Coastal Beltway project [an extensive initiative

leader who is very attentive to community relations

that involves road works and urban renewal, now

and taught me a lot. Those early experiences with

underway in central Panama City], for example,

Odebrecht deepened my conviction that you don’t

the beneficiary communities belong to all levels of

gain people’s trust with words, but with deeds. In

society – from residents of impoverished areas like

Peru, it was challenging to work in a socially and

Chorrillo to the upper-middle-class folks on Ave-

informa

nida Balboa. And they all have to be treated with the

program that covers our six ongoing projects in that

same respect and the same dedication.

country. All construction sites receive lecturers from the Probidsida team, organize awareness-raising

OI – The Curundu Project, which is renewing one

campaigns and offer the possibility of voluntary and

of the poorest, most violent communities in Pan-

confidential testing. We have seen excellent results,

ama City, was the first project you worked on in

especially with regard to disseminating solid informa-

Panama. What kind of lessons did you learn from

tion and debunking myths about the disease, while

that experience?

encouraging early diagnosis.

Francisco – The lessons I learned while accompanying the work of [Project Director] Júlio Lopes Ramos

OI – An innovative environmental education and

and his social outreach team were priceless. They

community relations project is now underway as

managed to win the community’s trust, established

part of the construction of the Panama City Waste-

effective communication channels, and through

water Treatment Plant. How would you describe it?

them, met all the requirements of sustainability. As

Francisco – In its initial phase, Juan Diaz Mangrove

a result, they made a decisive contribution to carrying

Park will cover 10 acres and will be dedicated pri-

out the project in a way that was fully adapted to the

marily to environmental education and scientific

local environment.

research. The protected mangrove area is adjacent to the construction site for the project, which was

OI – And to what do you attribute the Curundu

designed to make an historic achievement: stop-

team’s success?

ping domestic sewage from polluting the rivers of

Francisco – It is a team of well-qualified and mature

Panama City and Panama Bay. Because it is a place

professionals who knew how to develop a profile of

where people can clearly understand the effects of

the community and identify its characteristics. To

pollution on nature and reflect on their bad habits,

do that, they worked closely with people, listened to

like littering the streets and waterways, the Man-

them, visited their homes, and helped them under-

grove Park initiative could even serve as a model for

stand that changes being made were going to im-

other countries.

prove their lives.

OI – With regard to sustainability, what is the curOI – Can you describe your day-to-day work rou-

rent situation in Panama and for Odebrecht in that

tine?

country?

Francisco – My mission is to provide support for

Francisco – The company has been building essen-

projects within the scope of a decentralized organi-

tial projects and offering additional contributions

zation. Support is not imposed. It is either offered or

whose impact and scope have attracted widespread

requested. We are always trying to identify opportuni-

public attention. Our projects as a whole implement

ties that might be of interest to the projects.

consistent community outreach programs conducted by well-organized teams. We seek to establish a net-

OI – One of the highlights of Odebrecht’s social pro-

work of strategic alliances with the business world,

grams in Panama today is the Program to Combat

in a mobilization that is reflected by gains in image

HIV/AIDS (see article in this issue). What’s your

and productivity for our clients. Internally, the con-

analysis of the importance of this initiative?

solidation of Sustainability, Health and Safety, Com-

Francisco – HIV/AIDS is a critical issue in Panama.

munication and Institutional Relations, spearheaded

The country has one of the highest rates in the Ameri-

by Paul Levita [the leader of the CEO for Odebrecht

cas. Odebrecht, in turn, has followed a specific policy

Panama’s direct team] has helped tremendously.

on HIV/AIDS since 2008. We have partnered with Pro-

And we’ve managed to encourage our members to

bidsida [the Foundation for the Welfare and Dignity of

lead by example in their daily lives. The sustainability

Persons Affected by HIV/AIDS], a highly credible and

of the planet begins at home, and it’s the responsibil-

competent Panamanian institution, and designed a

ity of everyone who breathes!

informa

the arts

and their power for change written by Diego Damasceno photos by Mรกrcio Lima

informa

The Braskem Theater Award, Frontiers of Thinking, Neojiba, Porto Alegre on Stage. Facets of the contribution from a company that values and lives the arts and culture

Director Luiz Marfuz, a Professor at the UFBA Theater School: emphasis on preservation

informa

n 2007, a few months after winning the state of Bahia’s most important theater award for her performance in the “The House of Specters,” actress Jussara Mathias received a phone call she will never forget. Director Fabiana Monsalú was

on the other end of the line with an invitation for her.

Jussara Mathias: “The award was a major leap for me”

“She asked me to play a role in Lorca’s ‘House of Bernarda Alba’,” recalls Jussara. The actress repeats the director’s words verbatim: “She put it this way: ‘I know that you’ve just won the Braskem [award], and it’s just a small part.’ I agreed on the spot.” The only prize of its kind in Bahia, the Braskem Theater Award since 2003 has selected the best shows, directors, playwrights, actors, actresses and professionals who have excelled in Bahia’s theater world. “The award was a major leap for me. People start looking at you after that,” says Jussara. The recipient of a special honor at the 2011 award ceremony, stage and screen actor Wagner Moura received the trophy from his father, José Moura, who died later that year. On stage at the ceremony, Wagner recalled winning the Braskem Theater Award in 1997, and said it was the most important honor he ever received in his career. The trophy in the Breakthrough category in 2010 also put the spotlight on the work of theater director José Jackson. His award-winning production, “Two Men Lost

Director Luiz Marfuz, a professor at the UFBA The-

in a Dirty Night,” was originally staged as Jackson’s de-

ater School, was able to revive his production of “My

gree project. He graduated with a BA in Performing Arts

Name is a Lie,” on account of five nominations for the

from the Federal University at Bahia (UFBA) Theater

2011 edition of the award. He believes that the prize

School. “The award has changed the way the actors see

plays a role in preservation. “Theater takes place in

me. After that, I stopped being just a drama school stu-

the moment, and after that, all that’s left is a photo-

dent whose work had little impact,” he comments.

graphic or audiovisual record of the work. This award

Born in Caruaru, Pernambuco, Jackson was first

covers the entire year [the nominees are announced

invited to join a theater group when he was in his teens.

the year before the awards ceremony] and organizes a

The stage has been his world ever since. “Art plays a

memory of that period. It rescues the theater from its

transformative role in an individual’s life. When I joined

own ephemerality.”

the group at the age of 15, I could barely read or write. It was a major growth experience.”

In 2012, the Braskem Theater Award held cultural and artistic training workshops for young people.

With 25 years’ experience in theater, dance and

Thirty public school students participated in free au-

music under her belt, lighting designer Irma Vidal

diovisual workshops, an 80-hour course including

has won two trophies. However, she believes that just

practical and theoretical activities taught by experi-

being nominated for the Braskem Award is already a

enced professionals, covering script writing, direct-

prize. “It recognizes the work of the entire group,” she

ing, art direction, production and sound and lighting

says. Irma thinks the private sector has a role to play in

techniques. The results of this work were showcased

promoting the arts. “Today there aren’t many compa-

at the 19th awards ceremony, held on April 4 at the

nies that invest in culture in Bahia.”

Castro Alves Theater.

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Now in its 20th edition, the Braskem Theater Award

The Frontiers program does more than just orga-

is making a major contribution to the appreciation of

nize debates. It also encourages other cultural and

art and culture, but it is by no means the company’s

educational activities, particularly the Frontiers Edu-

only contribution in this area, as you will see.

cation: Dialogues with Generation Z project. “Frontiers is a major platform for content produc-

Frontiers of Thinking

ers, but it wasn’t reaching students. So we just had

Bringing the stage and audience closer together

to think of a format that was more suitable for young

through reflection is also the aim of Frontiers of Think-

people,” explains Braskem Institutional Relations

ing, a Braskem project that has become one of the

Manager João Freire.

most important events in Brazil’s cultural calendar.

Since 2009, the program has organized meetings

An advanced course held in a lecture format, Fron-

between Frontiers speakers, Federal University at Rio

tiers brings together thinkers, scientists and leaders

Grande do Sul (UFRGS) professors, and public school

from around the world who are at the cutting edge of

students from the city of Porto Alegre. Writer Fabrício

their fields of expertise. The main theme is the identity

Carpinejar is the mediator in this dialogue between

of the 21st century. Every year since the project began

students and specialists. The project also distributes

in 2006, this debate has guided lectures by personalities

educational publications based on several editions of

such as literary critic Beatriz Sarlo, writer Ayaan Hirsi

Frontiers of Thinking lectures.

Ali, philosopher Alain de Botton, journalist Christopher

Language, sustainability, science and African cul-

Hitchens, writer Camille Paglia, scientist Miguel Nicole-

ture were the themes chosen for the 2012 edition of the

lis, anthropologist Edgar Morin, physician Denis Muk-

project. During the most recent meeting, held on No-

wege, writer Mario Vargas Llosa and economist Eric

vember 13, about 3,000 students conversed with writer

Maskin (the last two are also Nobel Prize winners).

Mia Couto, from Mozambique, and UFRGS professors. Mia Couto’s lecture topic was inspired by the name of the event. “Talking to students has everything to do with

Young director José Jackson: winning recognition

expanding frontiers. We have to cross these boundaries between younger and older people, between the more erudite and the less erudite.” In the Mozambican author’s assessment, getting to know Africa is a way for Brazil to become a better – and more Brazilian – country. Alexia Martis, 13, was in the audience. By the end of the lecture, she had developed an interest in Mia Couto’s stories. “I think it is important for us to leave the classroom and learn in other places,” she says. For Alessandro da Silva, 17, the talk was important because it presented content in a different language from the kind used in the classroom. “I can talk to my family about what I learned here.” Fabíola Silveira, 11, points out that it was interesting to discover that Brazil and Africa are similar in many ways. “There is conflict in Africa because of the color of people’s skin.” Joana Soares, 15, says: “I enjoyed meeting Mia, who is a foreigner and came to talk to us about his country. I didn’t know that there were so many different countries in Africa.” Éderson Luiz de Lima, 15, remarks that he only knew the names of a few African countries, and very little about their cultures. “It was a surprise to learn that African literature is well-known here in Brazil.”

informa

Cléber Passus

Frontiers: thinkers, scientists, world leaders, youths and adults reflecting about the world

In the assessment of Jaqueline de Oliveira Natel,

eazar de Carvalho Award, the top prize at the Campos

who teaches Portuguese at the Chapéu do Sol school,

do Jordão Winter Festival. The most important honor

the project is a new type of didactic and pedagogical

of its kind in Brazil, it gives the winner a one-year

activity. “Today, the classroom is too small to contain

scholarship. Yuri will be going to the Peabody Institute

the students’ aspirations. This opportunity helps us

in Baltimore, one of the best music conservatories in

prepare more interesting lessons.” History teacher

the United States, to study conducting. “Ricardo told

César Augusto Queirós believes that it is essential to

me I had a talent for conducting, and I didn’t even know

put students in contact with other learning environ-

there was a talent for it.”

ments. “This encounter between the university and the

The first initiative of its kind in Brazil, Neojiba is run

schools should take place more often. The university

by the State of Bahia with Braskem’s support. Ricar-

must go to school, too.”

do Castro founded the project in 2007, inspired by El

Schoolteacher Ricardo Menegotto has participated in the last three editions of Frontiers Education. He

Sistema, the Venezuelan program of youth orchestras composed of 350,000 young people from that country.

notes that the format of the event, which includes videos and intense interaction with the audience, is attractive for students. “Sometimes the theme is new and enriches our work at school. In the case of the discussion about Africa, we had already been dealing with that, so it’s a plus.”

Neojiba Yuri Azevedo, 21, had his first opportunity to learn about Neojiba (the State Youth and Children’s Orchestra Centers of Bahia) after a piano recital by conductor Ricardo Castro in 2007. Yuri was 14 years old and taking a percussion lessons at the Federal University at Bahia (UFBA). Until then, he had thought that Neojiba was just an orchestra for young musicians. “I had no idea of the scope of the project, but I signed up to try to join the group. I auditioned and passed.” At Neojiba, Yuri decided to study to become a conductor instead of a musician. This year, he won the El-

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Ricardo Castro: “In the orchestra, we’re all equal”

Neojiba runs a Management and Professional Edu-

tra is a model for the ideal functioning of a society,

cation Center (NGF) based in the Castro Alves Theater

where everyone comes together to create beauty. In

in Salvador, a rehearsal space for the 2 de Julho Youth

the orchestra, we’re all equal,” says Ricardo Castro.

Symphony Orchestra, with 90 musicians, the Castro

Elizabeth Ponte adds: “One person alone does not

Alves Orchestra, with 80 members, the Experimental

make an orchestra. If someone plays well and others

Teaching Orchestra, which trains musicians between

don’t, the orchestra won’t sound good. So you learn to

the ages of 7 and 15, and a choir with 40 young mem-

cooperate, listen and be heard. More than musicians,

bers. There are also three Orchestra and Choir Prac-

what we do is shape better people through Neojiba.”

tice Centers (NPOs) in Salvador and its metropolitan region, and the resort town of Trancoso.

Porto Alegre on Stage

The NGF grooms monitor musicians – young people

Since 2006, Braskem has organized the Braskem

who can pass on what they learn. “Multiplication is the

on Stage Award, which selects the best performances

basis and the differentiator of our program. You don’t

among participants in Rio Grande do Sul’s Porto Alegre on Stage festival, one of the most important theater events in Latin America.

Esdras Santana: the challenge of setting up a symphonic band in a low-income district of Salvador, Bahia

For actress Isandra Ferminano, the producer of the Cerco Group, which won the award in three categories of the 2012 Edition for “Incident in Antares,” investing in the theater is justified by the socializing role it plays. “The theater teaches you how engage in joint reflection on society. It is a means of intervention, because the audience shares something with the actor.” Daniel Colin, an actor in the Sarcáusticos Group, the winner in the Best Play category for “Brief Interviews with Vicious Men,” says that funding channels have increased in recent years, but many businesses are still reluctant to invest in theater productions. “We need to wake up to the importance of the performing arts,” he says.

need a diploma to multiply knowledge. A child can do it,” says Ricardo Castro. The monitors are key agents of the orchestral mapping project underway in the interior of the state. Today, Neojiba supports 23 of them. “What these groups need is training, not financing,” explains Neojiba’s Managing Director, Elizabeth Ponte.

Actress Isandra Ferminano: the socializing function of theater

Neojiba trumpet player and flautist Esdras Santana, 25, will soon be in charge of a center in Bairro da Paz, a low-income district on the outskirts of Salvador. “We will bring people together to form a symphony band. It’s a major challenge, because that’s a Mathias Crammer

very poor neighborhood,” he observes. Neojiba debunks the idea that classical music is just for the elite. About 75% of the musicians come from the middle and working classes. “The orches-

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strong SMALL AND

Focused on supporting small businesses, the Petit et Puissant program is one of the initiatives that are boosting community development in Guinea written by Elea Almeida photos by Guilherme Afonso

46 46

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Madeleine Kondiano and her co-workers: making progress in a small business with support from the Petit et Puissant program

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or five years, Madeleine Kondiano has worked with 11 other women, making soap from recycled oil to pay for her children’s schooling in the southern Guinean town of Kissidougou (600 km from the capital, Conakry). Her

dream is to see her six boys go to college. A few months ago, the institution that Madeleine helped found began operating with cash reserves. This was possible because Odebrecht had partnered up with an NGO active in that country to provide cooking oil and give financial and management advice to help the business thrive. The NGO is Les Humanistes de Guinée (The Humanists of Guinea). Madeleine is a member. This partnership is part of an initiative that provides support for small businesses and income generation. Called Petit et Puissant (Small and Strong), this social program is deployed in the vicinity of the works of the Simandou Project - General Road Works Area 3, under the responsibility

The starting point for the Petit and Puissant program

of Odebrecht Africa, UAE and Portugal. Petit et Puissant is

was the need to find a safe way to dispose of used cooking

just one example of how the Group’s presence in Guinea,

oil, which can be very harmful to the environment if it is

and its various social programs are contributing to the lo-

not done properly. Now, the idea is to expand the program

cal community’s development. The deployment of a digital

to include partnerships in the area of farm production,

inclusion program called Réseau-lution (adapted from Hit

since there is demand for food in the region, but most of

the Net), awareness-raising activities in the field of health

what is currently consumed there is not produced locally.

and a volunteer campaign, part of the Partagez program,

“We always try to get the community involved in social

are also making the difference by helping improve the

programs so it can grow through them and understand

quality of life of rural Guinean communities.

why these programs are in place. Any company can make

Petit et Puissant aims not only to transfer knowledge

donations, but we want to educate instead, because that

but to help increase business efficiency and, consequent-

has a sustainable, long-term impact,” explains Institution-

ly, the earnings of the community near the General Road

al and Community Relations coordinator Lauren Pereira.

Works Area 3 Project, which includes the construction and renovation of more than 300 km of highways and prepar-

Digital inclusion

ing the terrain for the future installation of remote camps.

This principle also led Odebrecht to devise strategies to

All these measures are aimed at making the client Rio

make the Réseau-lution program more effective, consid-

Tinto’s project feasible. The Australian mining company

ering that Guineans have limited access to electricity and

has arrived in Guinea to develop the Simandou Mountain

computers. According to Lauren Pereira, the program’s

Range, which contains one of the largest known reserves

goal is to ensure the digital inclusion of the poorest resi-

of iron ore. The project involves building the infrastructure

dents of the Kissidougou region, a very remote rural area,

for the mine, a railroad running across the country, and a

far from the capital, before most of the country has access

port for exporting the product.

to that kind of technology. Recruited by the company, local teacher Michel

Gaining the community’s trust

Bamy joined the Group a few months ago with the

“We started deploying social programs as soon as we

mission of teaching two classes for the Hit the Net in

arrived, by making contact with local authorities, always in

Guinea program: the basic and advanced modules,

sync with the client. We have gradually gained the confi-

with a total of about 40 students. Because the classes

dence of the local community, and the response has been

are just getting started, that number is expected to

very positive,” says Daniel Fernandes, the project’s officer

grow, although the program is only open to company

Responsible for Construction.

members.

informa

for these activities at the General Road Works Area 3 Project, these initiatives are primarily conducted among local company members who know little about the serious diseases that affect the Kissidougou area, such as malaria, cholera and typhoid. To raise awareness, Odebrecht has organized lectures for local community members and prevented the spread of malaria by disLauren Pereira with Hit the Net participants: digital inclusion as a tool for overcoming barriers

tributing mosquito nets. The challenge is discovering how far these programs can go without disrespecting cultural differences. “We’ve tried to question some internalized habits that can be harmful to people’s health. We are here to educate and train people, as well as to learn without trying to change the unique characteristics that make each people special,” observes Geraldo. This application of the concept of influencing others and being influenced by them is most clearly evident in the Partagez program, which encourages members to do volunteer work. Every two weeks, Odebrecht expats and local company members mobilized in Kissidougou are invited to spend a day at the local orphanage, La Joie des Orphelins. Its director, Marie Simone Camara, has run that institution since 1983, and it currently shelters 45 children. When they visit the orphanage, company members usually take mosquito nets, mat-

Patriarch Ibrahima Dialloo with Odebrecht People team member and translator David Bimou: putting the family first

tresses and food, and provide information through talks on personal hygiene, food safety and health. According to Lauren Pereira, discussing these topics before playing games with the children helps develop

Michel says that the most important aspect of Hit the Net in Guinea is to familiarize participants with computers

relationships between the orphans and volunteers and strengthens relations with the local community.

and encourage them to share what they learn with their

The village of Tamiandou is the closest neighbor of

families. “Computers and technology are the basis for de-

the General Road Works Area 3 Project’s base. Patri-

velopment. When a person learns about them, a barrier to

arch Ibrahima Dialloo, that community’s highest au-

development falls,” he argues.

thority, agrees that the company’s relationship with

Encouraging local people to share the knowledge they

the community, which is also based on social outreach

acquire is one of the key points for Odebrecht, to ensure

programs, has produced good results for both neigh-

that the social programs it deploys will have an even

bors. “The most important things in life are living be-

greater impact. Because, like the rest of the country, Kis-

ings. If you can take care of your family, your life will

sidougou lacks all kinds of infrastructure and services, it

go forward. And since Odebrecht arrived, it has taken

is important for the programs’ direct participants to mul-

good care of our families and helped overcome our

tiply their knowledge within the community.

challenges.” Sitting beside him, the political chief of the village, Fodé Traoré, nods his head in agreement

Health and volunteer work

and waits until the older man has finished speaking.

The company’s work in the field of health is also fo-

Then, he concludes: “When the community learns to

cused on sharing knowledge and raising awareness.

stand on its own two feet, it can seek its own develop-

According to nurse Geraldo Bruno, who is responsible

ment.”

informa

grit

Kamilla Alves (right) and her teammates on the girls’ soccer team: young people in safer circumstances

a team with true

C 50

In Valongo, Santos, soccer is a tool for social inclusion written by Alice Galeffi photos by Yann Vadaru

hildren and young people at risk find the

officially started on November 5, 2012, and 60 youths

opportunity that they had longed for in

have enrolled so far. Its effects are already producing

Santos, on the São Paulo coast. They are

strong repercussions, even in such a short space of time.

taking part in an Odebrecht Realizações Imobiliárias (Real Estate Developments;

An ideal partner

OR) project in Valongo, a region formed by the city’s hills.

Despite the city’s economic growth, which is due to

This initiative is restoring residents’ self-esteem and cre-

the discovery of oil in the pre-salt layer along its coast,

ating conditions for their social inclusion.

among other factors, the hills of Santos are the scene of

In the land of the King, Pelé, and the young phenom-

drug gang wars, summary executions, police raids and

enon, Neymar, the project focuses on soccer. OR has de-

young people being murdered. All of this has been a part

veloped a program with the community’s assistance in

of life in this poor region of the city, where 19 shantytowns

which children and young people aged between 12 and 17

are located.

take part in soccer classes. They receive snacks and kits

Saionara Lawandovski Porto, OR’s Social Program

are also donated. The project, which is yet to be named,

coordinator in Santos, became aware of the critical

informa

Aryane de Sousa: “I have a coach now, and I’ve met other girls”

situations in these communities, which lack basic re-

3:30 and then the girls take the pitch from 3:30 to

sources and have few leisure activities. There is also a

4:30. The girls have the later class because most of

high rate of crime and prostitution among the young.

them have to go home after school and help their

Saionara knew that she had to do something, but, first

mothers with household chores. They are only free

of all, she needed to find project partners.

to train after that.

This is how she met Cosme Costa, a social worker

Aryane de Sousa, 14, a resident of Vila Vitória,

and resident of Vila Vitória hill, and was immediately con-

stands out from the other female players. She dreams

vinced that he would be an ideal partner. Cosme knows

of becoming a top women’s soccer star like Marta.

everyone in the Valongo community. Saionara would not

“I’ve always played soccer but only with boys, and it

have been able to go into these areas without him, as only

was always in the streets. I have a coach now, and I’ve

the local people can circulate freely there. She insisted

met other girls who also enjoy playing. My dream is to

that they meet, and Cosme could relate to her persever-

play on the Brazil team.” Kamilla Alves, 13, also played

ance. He thought it was strange at first, but “since preju-

soccer in the streets without her father’s knowledge,

dice is a word that doesn’t exist in my vocabulary, I de-

as he saw sports as “something for boys.” Kamilla

cided to see what she had to say.”

found out about this opportunity through Cosme, and

They talked a lot, did some research and came to the

her parents finally accepted the idea of her taking part

conclusion that the best way to attract young people and

in the project. Her mother, Rosângela, provides the

take them off the streets would be soccer. This is how

most encouragement: “It makes me really happy to

the project was created. Cosme agreed to be the meet-

see her learning and playing better than the boys. I

ing point between OR and the communities, while Saion-

can see a future for her in soccer, but it’s not just that:

ara took care of planning and all of the support needed

it makes me happy seeing the effort Kamilla is mak-

for this initiative. “I never imagined that someone from

ing, chasing her dream. And she’s not in the streets

Odebrecht would get in touch with me to develop a social

with the other young people, taking drugs and enter-

project. A number of large companies are based here and

ing the world of crime.”

this has never happened before,” he comments.

Itamar Leal, the social worker who follows the young

Other partners got involved in the project in addition

people during the training sessions, say that the main

to Cosme, such as the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB),

objective is not to transform them into soccer players

which has loaned its soccer pitch for the young people to

but to protect them. “We want to foster their all-round

play on, and the Department for Young People, a munici-

development and cover topics like the body, health, sex-

pal agency that sponsors the employment of a Phys. Ed.

uality, citizenship and youth rights.” Saionara reveals

teacher who is responsible for these activities.

her plans going forward: “I want to add more sports and

Far from drugs and crime The soccer classes are held on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. The boys play from 1:30 to

include the arts in the curriculum.” She is looking for new partners. “My dream is to see the project carry on and become self-sustainable after OR has completed its projects in Santos.”

informa

Members of the Acauã Dance Company in Olinda, with young Karine Tamires in her ballerina outfit: “My costume turned out great”

FROM THE JOBSITE TO

T 52

frolic

Recycled uniforms become Carnival costumes in Olinda, Brazil

written by Luiz Carlos Ramos photos by Lia Lubambo

he city of Olinda’s traditional Carnival is

The joint venture has 10,000 members who are help-

marked by its signature musical style, a

ing build the Abreu e Lima Refinery in the Suape Indus-

feverish rhythm called frevo, and the giant

trial Port Complex. A total of 50,000 people are working

dolls that flood the streets alongside rev-

on the refinery project, as well as petrochemical units

elers. In 2013 it will offer another attrac-

and the modern port.

tion: recycling. The clothing worn by thousands of people

During the rehearsal in Olinda, Karine Tamires, 9,

working for Conest, the joint venture of Odebrecht En-

showed off the model for the Carnival costume that is

genharia Industrial (Industrial Engineering) and OAS

still a closely guarded secret: orange and navy blue (the

building projects in Suape, have been recycled and

colors of Conest), it also has touches of gold and silver.

transformed into costumes for a merry band of children

Hers is rounded out with a colorful frevo parasol. “My

and teens from the state of Pernambuco. Odebrecht In-

costume turned out great. I love to dance,” says Kar-

forma has attended the rehearsals in that historic city in

ine, accompanied by her friends Mariana, Kécia, Bruna,

the Recife metropolitan region, and got a first-hand look

Heloísa, Carla and Poli, who would get their costumes

at the enthusiasm of the Acauã Dance Company, which

later. Poli is the nickname of Thaysa Ramos da Silva,

has received support from Conest through the Recycling

9, the adopted daughter of Maria José Xavier, who ac-

Program.

companies her during rehearsals. “I adopted the girl

informa

benefiting the environment, reducing costs and adding cultural value through frevo,” he observes.

The power of cooperatives This project was made possible through the involvement of two female garment workers’ cooperatives: Coopcoste, from Cabo de Santo Agostinho, which made the clothes for the Recycling Fashion show, and Emenda, from Ipojuca, which takes care of the Carnival costumes. Coopcoste President Djair Miralhe says Conest’s support has energized the 130 seamstresses who work at the sewing machines in shifts at the cooperative’s headquarters: “This work has social benefits for these women because they make more money, but it also benefits the people who wear the clothes.” Risolene Gonçalves da Silva, President of Emenda, observes that, thanks to the orders for Carnival costumes, her cooperative has been able to buy new machines: “Now, the costumes get top priority.” Dulcelina Domingas da Silva, 78, controls the quality of the items produced. “I love to work like this, and I don’t feel my age,” she says. Fashion designer Diego Rodrigo “DihRôh” Monteiro, when she was little and living in a garbage dump,” says

22, is a member of Coopcoste. A breakthrough talent in

Maria José.

Pernambuco’s fashion world, he designed the clothes for

Better known as “Vera do Frevo,” Verônica Gomes

the September show. “I’m self-taught. I’ve been creating

dos Santos runs Acauã, a group created 10 years ago to

fashion since I was 10. I’m inspired by greats like Marc

bring together and motivate needy children and youths

Jacobs, Reinaldo Lourenço and Zuzu Angel, but my work

through dance. “Music and dance help us overcome prob-

has a local touch,” explains DihRôh. Like the seamstress-

lems,” says Vera. “Poli is a good example. She’s an active,

es and the Acauã group, he sees boundless possibilities

healthy girl.” Named after a relative of the sparrow hawk,

ahead: “I’ve started taking a design course. I have to keep

the group has become synonymous with social inclusion

evolving.”

in Olinda. Waldir Martins Filho, the Conest officer Responsible for Sustainability and Recycling, keeps a close eye on every detail of the plans for Carnival. He says the program involves the production of several items made from discarded work uniforms. “The workers get new uniforms every four months. Instead of throwing the old ones away, we get them cleaned and sanitized, and the fabric is recycled,” says Waldir. The joint venture’s Residential Village held a fashion show in September called Recycling Fashion, where the workers who live there sat in the audience while members of the Acauã group flaunted their new clothes. Globo TV produced a long feature on the event.

Designer Diego Rodrigo: inspired by the great names in fashion without losing sight of regional influences

Conest Project Director Antenor de Castro is proud of the program’s results. “Everything has been happening gradually. The program is mobilizing the community,

informa

From the schools to the jobsite: through guided visits, young people learn more about the Transnordestina railway and its importance for the region and the country

talks with good

neighbors Here Comes the Train and Community Railway: Transnordestina is building closer relations with the community

H 54

written by Luiz Carlos Ramos photos by Ricardo Sagebin

ere comes the train. The news spreads

Port of Pecém, in Ceará, running through Eliseu Mar-

across three states, and people are

tins, in southern Piauí. The railroad is one of the priori-

looking forward to seeing the trains

ties of the Brazilian Government’s Growth Acceleration

arrive. The Transnordestina Railroad

Program (PAC). The train will soon be transporting ore,

project is making steady progress in

gypsum and grain, giving a boost to the economy in that

Pernambuco, Piauí and Ceará. How will a railway

region, where the transposition of the São Francisco

benefit the arid backlands of the Northeast? Above

River and other works are also underway. Odebrecht In-

all, it brings hope. The public’s certainty is enhanced

forma visited the Transnordestina project in Salgueiro,

by the contributions of social programs undertaken by

and took a close look at two programs focused on citi-

the Alliance between Transnordestina Logística S.A.

zenship that are being implemented in the communities

(TLSA) and Odebrecht Infraestruture (Infrastructure)

along the railroad’s route: Here Comes the Train, and

in several regions, including Salgueiro, Pernambuco.

Community Railroad. Begun in 2012, these initiatives

That is where the Alliance’s jobsites are located, along

have directly benefited more than 10,000 people in 10

with the world’s largest sleeper factory.

counties. “In addition to showcasing the works through

The railway tracks are moving forward quickly.

guided tours, we have organized lectures on health,

Thanks to this investment, trains will travel between the

children’s rights, drug prevention, and various other

Port of Suape, in the Recife metropolitan area, and the

topics, and we also encourage participation in sports,”

informa

explains Administrative and Financial Manager Alexan-

fresh knowledge back to school with them: “There’s

dre Lima. Social worker Kelly Barros, one of the people

nothing like going to the place where the work is done,

responsible for the projects, observes: “Unity and syn-

getting explanations and deepening your knowledge.”

ergy among the members of the Alliance, city governments and local authorities, who provide the facilities for these programs and help us invite people to participate, have been key to these efforts.”

Community Railroad The ongoing struggle against drought is part of the history of adults and seniors who live in the arid hinterland. These heroes of that struggle are benefiting from

Here Comes the Train

the Community Railroad project, which offers multi-

Here Comes the Train is a jobsite visitation program

disciplinary workshops conducted in partnership with

that brings together Alliance members who work on

local governments, NGOs and residents’ associations

other sections of the railway, authorities, public in-

in urban and rural areas. This project, which began 10

stitutions and NGOs, as well as children and youths

months ago, focuses on the construction of Transnor-

from schools in the Salgueiro area. “Through lectures

destina, as well as citizenship and health care.

There’s nothing like going to the place where the work is done, getting explanations and deepening your knowledge. Guidelines for a healthy life: Dr. Ediflávio Gomes, from Odebrecht, gives checkups to local seniors

Maria do Socorro Pereira de Queiroz

and campaigns, visitors learn about the benefits of

“The meetings are conducted by company mem-

Transnordestina and the precautions being taken

bers whose expertise is directly related to the topic of

to protect the environment and their quality of life,”

the month. We have mobilized professionals from the

says Project Director Pedro Leão. During their tours

fields of engineering, health, safety, environment and

of the jobsite, visitors can see the work of members of

finance, among others,” says Pedro Leão.

Aliança Transnordestina Logística S.A. and Odebrecht

During one edition of the program, held in Sal-

Infraestrutura, from the preparation of the railroad

gueiro in November, the Alliance’s physician, Edif-

bed to the industrial jobsite area, where the sleeper

lávio Gomes, spoke to an audience of more than 60

factory produces up to 4,800 concrete ties per day.

seniors from three towns, explaining how to avoid

One November morning, 28 students between the

hypertension, strokes, heart attacks and falls. “The

ages of 13 and 17 from Dr. Walmy Campos Bezerra

important thing is to pay attention and control the

School, in São José do Belmonte, paid a visit to the

amount of salt, sugar and fat in your diet,” he said.

Salgueiro jobsite. Anderlândia Soares de Lima, 16,

Paying close attention to these guidelines, Iraci

was fascinated by every detail. “I’ve never been on a

Alves, 81, smiled. “I’ve had bouts of high blood pres-

train, but now I know how that kind of transportation is

sure, but now I’m fine. I took a pedagogy course

important,” she says. Schoolteacher Maria do Socorro

when I was 79,” she said. “I want to see the train

Pereira de Queiroz believes that her students will take

come through here.”

informa

56 brighter

roads ahead

A literacy program is creating fresh growth prospects for company members on the Trensurb project

T 56

written by Alexandre Melo photos by Ricardo Chaves he simple act of taking a bus was once

than the strength his arms could offer. Therefore, he

a huge challenge for Francisco de

left school before he was eight. He only saw a major

Souza Alves. Since he couldn’t read

opportunity arise in in 2010, at the age of 23, when

or write, he had to ask people to help

he started working on the extension of Line 1 North

him identify the one he should take.

of Trensurb, a passenger rail service linking Porto

An illiterate farmer’s son, in his work on the São

Alegre with the cities in the metropolitan area. The

Miguel do Tapuio farm in the backlands of the Brazil-

joint venture responsible for the extension project is

ian state of Piauí, Francisco had never needed more

Consórcio Via Nova.

informa

Francisco de Souza Alves (left) and Claudino Guareski: back to the classroom to write new life stories

Since the joint venture was formed in 2009, with

venture. From 2010 to 2012, 34 workers divided into two

Odebrecht Infraestrutura (Infrastructure) as the lead-

groups took part in the EJA, and 10 are now literate,

ing partner, it has made several contributions to the

including Francisco, the youngest student in the group.

sustainable development of communities in the vicin-

Classes were held three times a week, after hours, in a

ity of the works. “Living near a project of this magni-

room at the central jobsite. “Not being able to read and

tude is not always easy. For us, in addition to building

write is like walking in the dark,” says Francisco.

a high-quality project, it was key to make an additional

SESI technical analyst for Education Silvia Helena

contribution aimed at improving the public’s quality of

da Silva Gallino observes: “Consórcio Via Nova had the

life, since we are directly impacting the communities,”

sensitivity to realize that having qualified, educated

explains Pedro Reis, the Odebrecht Infraestrutura Ad-

members is good for the company, and much better

ministration and Finance Manager for the project.

for people’s lives.” The level of education is low in the

This is where Francisco’s story comes in. The joint

Sinos River Valley, the region where Novo Hamburg

venture has partnered up with the Social Service of In-

and São Leopoldo, two cities benefiting from the ex-

dustry (SESI) to deploy the Youth and Adult Education

tension of Trensurb, are located. This is because, ac-

(EJA) Program, a fresh opportunity for people who have

cording to Silvia, the leather-footwear industry, the

never had access to an education, or have not com-

main economic activity in that region, does not gener-

pleted primary school. “We conducted a survey of the

ally require formal education. But that historically ex-

workers, and found that many of them were interested

perienced situation in those cities has been changing

in learning to read and write,” says Tássia Hoffmann,

with the help of partnerships like the one formed with

the officer Responsible for Communication at the joint

Consórcio Nova Via.

informa

Trensurb Station near Vila dos Tocos: overcoming drug addiction and social vulnerability

At the age of 63, Claudino João Guareski, a car-

who have left their families behind suffer from loneli-

penter working at the joint venture’s central jobsite,

ness. “Sometimes they lack the emotional develop-

is back in the classroom. After graduating from the

ment to deal with that long-distance relationship,”

EJA program (1st to 5th grades), he enrolled in a pri-

says Anildo Fernandes, a member of the National

vate school, where he is taking grades 6 through 9.

Executive Group and Deputy Regional Coordinator of

Claudino was born on a farm in Cruz Alta, Rio Grande

the CVV.

do Sul, and his father made him leave school when he

Part of the extension of Line 1 of Trensurb (be-

was only in the 4th grade. “When you study, you start to

tween São Leopoldo and Rio dos Sinos stations) in

see the world in a different way and feel more proud of

São Leopoldo, passes through a socially vulnerable

yourself,” he says simply. Just a year before he is due

area called Vila dos Tocos. Because of that, alco-

to retire, Claudino has made his mind up. “I’m only go-

hol and drugs have always been frequent topics of

ing to stop working when I have a solid career, because

Internal Work Accident Prevention Week and World

I want to show that it’s never too late to learn.”

Anti-Drug Week. The joint-venture’s partner in this initiative was the Youth Rescue Challenge Therapeu-

Valuing life

tic Community, founded in Novo Hamburgo in 2007

Literacy is just one of the many facets of Nova

along the lines of the US Teen Challenge program.

Via’s social contribution. One of the CVV’s (Center

The goal is to help young drug addicts by guiding

for Valuing Life and Suicide Prevention) seven units

them through their recovery and social reinser-

in the state of Rio Grande do Sul is located in Novo

tion. “A SENAD [National Anti-Drug Service] survey

Hamburgo. The NGO’s 43 volunteers work in shifts,

shows that one addict worker affects 5% of produc-

24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It was during World

tion,” says psychologist and Therapeutic Commu-

Week for Combating Drugs in June this year that

nity coordinator Odir Olivaes Filho. To address this

Consórcio Via Nova workers learned about the CVV.

sensitive subject, the program raised awareness by

Around one thousand workers attended four lectures

staging a play starring former addicts that was pre-

at the central jobsite and work fronts. “I’ve noticed a

sented at the main jobsite and other work fronts.

great deal of interest,” says Nocolau Isaque de Araú-

“This initiative has disseminated information and

jo, who has been a CVV volunteer since 2009. “After

basic guidelines, turning many company members

the lectures, a lot of people came over and talked to

into multipliers of that information,” says Tássia

us about their problems.” Workers from other states

Hoffmann, clearly pleased.

informa

On track to Braskem’s support for recycling initiatives helps create work and income opportunities in four Brazilian states

written by Edilson Lima photos by Ricardo Chaves ormer farm worker Geraldo Simme,

about cooperatives or recycling. For example, we

47, lives in Campo Bom, Rio Grande do

were selling plastic all mixed together, which brought

Sul. Every day, he wakes up early, eats

down the price. A lot of people quit,” recalls Geraldo.

his breakfast, gets into his SpaceFox

That situation began to improve when the coop-

VW and drives to work at the Coolabore

erative’s partners helped organize the business and

cooperative, where he spends the day with friends

make it more profitable. That was when Braskem

and, as he says with a smile, “I earn my daily bread.”

came on the scene. “Based on research and the com-

He has good reason to be smiling. Founded 18 years

pany’s experience in the plastics supply chain, we

ago, the cooperative has just undergone a restruc-

decided to provide technological support and train-

turing that enables it to provide a decent living for

ing to trash pickers. Today Braskem is sponsoring

its 37 members.

nine units in the Sinos Valley [where Campo Bom is

At first, its earnings were low and the turnover was

located],” observes João Freire, the Braskem officer

high. “We didn’t have enough equipment to sort large

Responsible for Institutional Relations in the south-

quantities of materials, and we didn’t know much

ern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Coolabore cooperative trash pickers: a significant boost in productivity and quality of life

59 informa

this cooperative was created 18 years ago. It was the first in that state to process plastic, using a simpler and now limited technology. During his interview with the Odebrecht Informa team, he pointed to the recently arrived equipment that will make up a new production line. “As a result, we’ll gain more time and increase production capacity, besides adding value to the materials,” he predicts. Roberto observes that training focused on cooperatives, safety, equipment maintenance and logistics, among other topics, has made a big difference in working conditions and resulted in higher incomes. “There’s no boss here. We all own the business, and work together. That makes us proud and generates self-esteem and recognition.” It is with the same sense of pride and self-esteem that Gabriel da Cunha Garcia, 62, a former painter who once collected trash on the streets of Nova Santa Rita, tells the story of the Association of Workers Geraldo Simme: “Lots of people come here with nothing. Bit by bit, I’m buying a house and a car and achieving other goals”

and Service Providers, Trash Pickers and Recycling, which he and some other co-workers founded in 2005: “I used to walk the streets with a cart, picking up trash. A lot of people started doing the same thing. Then I realized it was time to get organized,” he ex-

Thanks to the training they have received, Geraldo and his co-workers are taking a different view of recy-

plains. Located in the Caju neighborhood, the association now has 11 members working there.

cling. They sort all kinds of plastic, ranging from the

At one point, Gabriel and his co-workers were liv-

stiffest to the most flexible varieties. Once sorted, the

ing and working in the same makeshift shack. Then,

plastic is sent to the newly acquired production line

in January 2012, with Braskem’s support, they built

(composed of mill, washing tank, dryer, pelletizer and

two sheds equipped with bathrooms and a cafete-

cage) where the plastic is crushed, washed, dried and

ria. They have also acquired equipment, including a

packaged for sale to manufacturers.

weighing scale and press, among other items. “Our

Thanks to a partnership with the government, cooperative members not only do the initial sorting but

next goal is to install a plastic processing mill, which will boost our earnings even more,” he says.

use trucks to collect used plastic in the city streets.

The group also wants to form partnerships with

Each member’s combined monthly earnings from

the city government, to provide collection services,

services and sales of recycled materials average BRL

and other institutions: “Our dream is to see everyone

1,600.00 (about USD 800). Geraldo is clearly moved

get their own health plan, house, car, etc.,” he ex-

when he recalls: “At first it was hard to make as much

plains. “I went into recycling because I needed to earn

as BRL 100.00 per person. A lot of people came here

a living, but I got more and more passionate about

with nothing. Now, bit by bit, they’re buying homes

it every day. We’ve acquired technical knowledge and

and cars, and achieving other goals.”

give lectures in the vicinity. I know that we are helping make a better world for everyone,” he says.

Pride, self-esteem and recognition In another Sinos Valley county, Roberto Silveira

Working in partnership

and 32 other people form part of the City of Dois Ir-

In addition to Rio Grande do Sul, Braskem also sup-

mãos Recyclers Cooperative. Roberto, 36, says that

ports recycling projects in the states of São Paulo, Ala-

informa

Dois Irmãos cooperative trash pickers: pride and recognition

goas and Bahia. Although some are not as advanced

tory that makes brooms from PET bottles. Between

as the one in Rio Grande do Sul (in some cases, they

January and November 2012, it sold about 1,300

are embryonic), these initiatives are beginning to get

brooms. Every month, its 15 members sell 45 metric

ever more significant results. Braskem sponsors a to-

tons of recycled materials.

tal of six cooperatives in those three states.

“We haven’t reached our goal of two minimum

Coopmarc, a cooperative located in Camaçari, Ba-

salaries [roughly USD 600 per month] per person yet,

hia, is a good example. Founded 12 years ago, Coop-

but we want to get to that milestone very soon,” says

marc has always focused on the sorting and sale of

Coopemarc co-founder Glória Martha da Silva, 43. Be-

plastic, cardboard and paper. In 2008, it set up a fac-

fore she went into recycling, Glória was a sanitation worker in Camaçari. “The support of our partners has been fundamental for building a better life for ourselves, especially through training and equipment.” Emmanuel Lacerda, the Braskem officer Responsible for Institutional Relations in Bahia, stresses that partnerships between the public and private sectors are key to the success of projects like these: “The work of this cooperative’s members is extremely important to disseminating the culture of recycling. To

Gabriel da Cunha Garcia: acquiring technical knowledge

ensure their success, businesses and local governments should support them.” André Leal, the Braskem officer Responsible for Environment, says that although the trash pickers’ backgrounds vary, many of them are natural entrepreneurs. “The contribution we’re making is to improve their work environments and bolster their autonomy and entrepreneurship, including them socially in the supply chain,” he affirms. In 2012, Braskem’s initiatives directly benefited 429 trash pickers.

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COMMUNITY

Family affair In Rondônia, Brazil, Acreditar is an effective channel for communication and closer relations between the company and the community written by João Paulo Carvalho photo by Márcio Lima

divone Araújo da Gama, 33, is one of the 1,209 women working on the construction of the Santo Antônio

hydroelectric plant on the Madeira River in Porto Velho. Born in Manicoré, Amazonas, six years ago she migrated to the state capital of Rondônia in search of better job opportunities. She was determined to provide a better life for her three children, as well as her mother and a brother. A former cosmetics saleswoman, Edivone enrolled in the Acreditar (Believe) Ongoing Professional Education Program, and four and a half years ago she swapped brow pencils, eye shadow and lip gloss for saws, brushes and personal protective equipment (PPE). “I didn’t think I’d get hired to work on this project, but I signed up for Acreditar, took the course, and here I am, along with other women who do heavy work, driving trucks, tractors and backhoes,” she says with a smile. Edivone believed in the program so much that she decided to enroll her children in Acreditar Jr., an offshoot of Acreditar, both of which are developed and implemented on Odebrecht Energia projects. Eduardo, 17, has already graduated, and Lucas, 14, is studying at the National Industrial Apprenticeship Service (SENAI), an Odebrecht partner institution in Porto Velho, which provides facilities for Acreditar Jr.’s practical and theoretical classes. Edivone’s youngest daughter, Letícia, 11, can’t wait to start the program and choose

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from one of the seven specializa-

everything started to change. Now

skilled workers identified by feasi-

tions it offers.

my room is getting just the way

bility studies for the Santo Antônio

“I want to graduate, get my di-

I want it,” says the young man,

project. Initial reports showed that

ploma and become a good profes-

whose scholarship is helping pay

it would be necessary to bring in

sional in the job market,” says Lu-

the bills in their recently acquired

out about 70% of the workers re-

cas, who is taking the Production

brick-and-mortar house.

quired to build the project, which

Assistant course. “I told my moth-

The story of Edivone and her

would have caused difficulties aris-

er that once the plant is built, I’m

family is one of many examples of

ing from disorganized migration.

going to study English and Japa-

people who have taken the oppor-

Thanks to the Acreditar program,

nese so I can work at Odebrecht”

tunity Acreditar offers at Odebrecht

80% of the workers building the

he says, his voice husky with emo-

jobsites in Brazil and worldwide.

plant are local residents. The re-

tion. “I used to live in a shack. But

The program was introduced in

sults have been so beneficial and

when my mother joined Acreditar,

2008 to make up for the lack of

significant that today, four years later, what was initially supposed to be a one-off, localized initiative has

Carpenter and Acreditar graduate Edivone da Gama, with her children Eduardo, Letícia and Lucas (right): “I didn’t think I’d get hired, but I took the course and here I am”

spread to 10 countries, benefiting more than 68,000 people. One of the people responsible for Acreditar’s success is Fabiane Costenaro, the program’s coordinator in Porto Velho. Born in Capinzal, Santa Catarina, she went to Rondônia in January 2008 thinking that she would be just another person helping the Santo Antonio Civil (CSAC) consortium do its work. Her leader at the time, Antonio Cardilli, received the mission to deploy Acreditar. “I had never led a team before, but here we learn by doing, on the job,” says Fabiane, whose leader is now Santo Antônio’s Administrative and Financial Manager, Marcelo Reis. “The social transformation in Porto Velho has been clearly visible in the last six years,” says Fabiane. Buildings with over 15 stories, previously rare in the city, have emerged in the landscape like developmental milestones. Traffic is gaining big-city scale. And the numbers speak for themselves: Rondônia is the Brazilian state with the highest rate of GDP growth in the country (7.3%), according to the latest Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) figures, for 2009.

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Conceição Jamba (left) and Maria Chocohonda: decisive step towards the full exercise of their role in society

more and more like

citizens

Access to documents, support for health and education, and opportunities for professional skills: good news from the towns of Huambo and Cambambe in Angola

M 64

written by Luciana Lana photos by Kamene Traça aria Chocohanda, Henrique Jamba,

age are also novelties there. In addition to ID cards, some

Joana Kawape, Conceição Jamba.

people already have birth certificates, as well.

These names now appear in the re-

“Obtaining these documents is the first step towards

cords of the Ministry of Justice of the

the achievement of first-class citizenship,” says Vicente

Province of Huambo, Angola. Youths,

Ferreira, the Odebrecht officer Responsible for Sustain-

adults and seniors, these villagers from Atuco Alunda

ability at Huambo-Caala, where Odebrecht is building

proudly display their identity cards. “I can go anywhere,”

the Caala-Cuima highway. The initiative of obtaining

celebrates Conceição. “I’ll get a job,” says Chocohanda.

documents for villagers arose from Odebrecht, accord-

Documents showing their parents’ names and their own

ing to Huambo’s Provincial Justice Delegate, Ernesto

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Estevão, during the delivery of 100 documents to Atuco Alunda residents. All told, more than 4,500 people have received their identity cards and birth certificates. “We at Odebrecht seek to help improve the quality of life of the people we encounter in our work environment, thereby contributing to the socioeconomic development of the region,” says Javier Chuman, Project Director for the Huambo and Malanje roadways project, which is part of the CaalaCuima Highway. At the headquarters of the Huambo Ministry of Health, Vicente Ferreira greets people as he walks through the halls. He is well known there. “Odebrecht has been an important partner for us,” says Frederico Juliana, Huambo’s Provincial Health Director. He explains that the company conducted a survey to identify the main concerns of 16 local villages – deaths from HIV/AIDS, malaria, cancer, and childbirth due to poorly managed deliveries, the most frequent cause. “A lack of education is apparent in all cases. There are women who have gone through up to six pregnancies and never made a doctor’s appointment,” says Vicente. As a result, Odebrecht began conducting a series of lectures to encourage a preventive stance towards illness, and is helping build schools and health clinics in the communities.

António Kalundongo: waiting for the conclusion of the construction works and the first day of class

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Margarida Gaspar: planning to continue her studies

Residents build a school In Acolongonjo, called the “mother village” because it

projects, Vicente Ferreira also runs the Thursdays for

stands in the center of all the others, residents are work-

Women Association, a program that holds meetings ev-

ing daily to build the walls for a new school covering a

ery two weeks to discuss and reflect on issues like teen-

total area of 830 sq.m., including 12 classrooms and a

age pregnancy, domestic violence, health and the envi-

recreation area. “Odebrecht designed it and is supply-

ronment. The meetings take place at the Association’s

ing the materials, but it is important for the beneficiaries

headquarters, built by Odebrecht, including a library and

themselves to build the school, to appreciate it,” says the

rooms for music lessons and tutoring. The company has

village soba (traditional community leader), Marcolino

also remodeled and expanded the Suku Ondjli day-care

Xindandgi. More than 1,500 students will study there in

center and Kaala Hospital, which now offers a Supple-

three sessions, each with 12 classes of 45 students. In

mental Nutrition Center.

Kaala, teachers who have passed a competitive exam

Besides the I Am a Citizen and Health in the Village

are awaiting the school’s completion and the start of

Be well

classes, scheduled for March 2013. “The night classes

Odebrecht is also carrying out a range of social

will depend on the arrival of electricity to get started,”

programs at the Cambambe hydroelectric plant proj-

observes Antônio Kalundongo, the school principal.

ect that have been consolidated under a single pro-

A health center with a medical facility and a pharmacy

gram called Chaleno Kiambote, meaning “be well.”

has also opened in the “mother village.” “Previously, pa-

The name reflects the program’s primary aim of sus-

tients had to travel up to 40 km to see a doctor. Now, the

tainability: “We want to foster development that can

farthest village from this clinic is just 9 km away. Once

carry on after the dam is built. That is why we want

we have over 10 of these clinics, we will have met the

the community to be well today, as well as when we

demand from 128 villages in the commune of Cuima,”

are not around anymore,” says Project Director Gus-

calculates village administrator Faustino Kapingana.

tavo Belitardo.

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As soon it arrived in the region, Odebrecht conducted a socioeconomic/environmental diagnosis and

a major impact,” says Cambambe community representative Fernando Neves.

sought to become an integral part of the community in

As for incentives for family farming, about 40 km from

order to understand its needs. “We listened to people

Cambambe, the village of Kalenge’s maize and cassa-

to discover their aspirations and potential, and de-

va crops are now being planted with specialized advice

signed the program on that basis,” says social worker

from Chaleno Kiambote teams. “We provide support to

Afonso Maquiadi.

families that grow crops for their own consumption and

Health, education and income generation were

for sale. The next step will be to set up a mill so they

defined as vectors for action. “In the field of health

can also sell cornmeal,” says Vanessa Silva, who coor-

care, we selected and trained community workers

dinates the Odebrecht Social Responsibility Program in

to disseminate knowledge and increase the preven-

Cambambe.

tion of endemic diseases like malaria, and STDs like

Chaleno Kiambote is also contributing to cultural

HIV/AIDS. In the field of education, we offer English

preservation by raising the community’s awareness of the

lessons, computer literacy classes and tutoring, as

importance of their own heritage. “The new generations

well as sports and recreational activities. To generate

are learning the history of the Cambambe region and ap-

income, we have set up sewing, cooking and family

preciating the important landmarks we have here,” says

farming workshops,” says Environmental Sustainabil-

Luiz Rodrigo João, the administrator of the Massangano

ity Manager Sérgio Rezende.

Commune, where are Angola’s first court was built in the

In the equipment sector of the project, young Margarida Diogo Gaspar works as a welder and benefits

sixteenth century. It is also home to the country’s first City Council building, among other monuments.

from the Getting to Work Gender Equality Program, which aims to create jobs for women. This is her first job opportunity. “I want to finish high school, study law and work forever,” she says.

“A light at the end of the tunnel” According to Alberto Carneiro, the Project Director of

Janete Rossano: more motivation thanks to a sewing machine

Cambambe Central 2 for the client, ENE (the national power company), Odebrecht’s arrival has brought fresh prospects for the local population. He highlights the training programs for youth. These initiatives, says Alberto, are “a light at the end of the tunnel.” Currently, 28 young people are taking the pastry-cook course offered by Chaleno Kiambote, and 15 are learning to sew. “We’re already making our own clothes, and soon we will start to sell what we make,” says Janete Rossano, 20, who is enthusiastic about learning to use a sewing machine. At the village of Cambambe’s Recreation Club, Odebrecht has reopened the pool and is providing swimming lessons. The company has also equipped a room with computers and started offering computer and English lessons. Three groups are currently taking each subject. “The absentee rate is zero. We have already graduated about 100 students and some are now working for Odebrecht,” says Canga Neto, the course director. “Chaleno Kiambote is an ambitious program that is already having

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prevention the rhythm of

A malaria prevention program is one of a range of programs that the Structuring Routes project is carrying out in Angola

written by Luciana Lana photo by Kamene Traça

hat is this dance that makes your

the song while his long thin body shakes like a mix

legs go limp? It’s an easy, peasy,

of puppet and break dancer. His audience, a class of

breezy dance.” At St. John the

more than 30 totally fascinated children, sings along

Baptist School in the Patriota

and mimics the visiting instructor’s movements. Be-

neighborhood of Luanda, Roque

sides the dance, they know that some diseases also

D’Oliveira, the officer Responsible for Social Outreach

make them limp and tired. In this playful way, Roque

and People on the Structuring Routes project, sings

is teaching them about the symptoms and causes of

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malaria while explaining that sometimes a longer

have had to learn to live with the project. For example,

route is preferable because it is safer. The children of

we need to warn people not to get too close to the ma-

Patriota are now more alert and careful.

chines,” says Hinhotua.

“And so are we,” says schoolteacher Eugénia Zeferino Carlos António, who observes that Odebrecht

Cycle of Interest

– the company responsible for the section of Structur-

Cementing and developing the company’s rela-

ing Routes that runs through that neighborhood – is

tionship with the community is a task that the proj-

working with the community to ensure that it better

ect’s social outreach team performs with pleasure

understands what the project is all about, including its

and excellence. This includes activities for company

benefits and the safety measures required in the vicin-

members’ families. In 2012, for example, the com-

ity of the roadworks.

pany created the Cycle of Interest program, through

In the Kawelele district, another neighbor of the

which teens between the ages of 13 and 17, the chil-

project, Roque meets with a committee of residents

dren of company members, visited the Structuring

and agrees the details for a series of lectures that

Routes construction site, attended lectures on pro-

Odebrecht will hold in that community. The Secretary

fessional education, and ended the day with a rec-

of the Residents’ Committee, Gaudêncio Hinhotua,

reational outing.

says: “The highways have brought us many benefits.

The first of these meetings took place in May 2012,

Previously, all the cars used to drive straight through

attended by about 20 participants. Then, in Septem-

here, causing lots of traffic jams and headaches. We

ber, two more events brought together over 70 youths. “We realized that there are breaks in the school calendar throughout the year, and students have nothing to do during those periods. So we decided to offer activities that encourage them, especially, to think about the future, and choose their professions. During these visits, young people get to know their parents’ work environment and the various services the company

Roque D’Oliveira with students from the St. John the Baptist school: an entertaining teaching method

provides, while getting educational guidance and engaging in recreational activities,” says Roque. Technical assistant Honório Alves Correia says his son Bernard, 17, felt highly motivated after the event: “He is in 7th grade and loves computers. When he got back from the visit he said he wants to be an engineer,” says his father proudly. The father of seven, mechanic Luis Pedro Nhanqui also enjoyed showing his daughter Madalena, 16, the workshop where he does his job. “She was impressed. She thought I worked in a ‘backyard’ shop and saw that everything here is very organized. The program had a tremendous impact.” Cycle of Interest has a strong affinity with Odebrecht’s Vision for 2020. “Our goal is to educate people, empower them and attract them to ensure the Group’s perpetuity. This program shows young people the working conditions Odebrecht offers and awakens their desire to study and work,” explains Structuring Routes Project Director Tiago Britto.

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THE FASCINATING JOURNEY OF

music

Made up of musicians from all over Brazil, the Academia Jovem Concertante includes the Teles Pires Dam in its tour

written by Rubeny Goulart photo by Carlos Junior he roar of jackhammers tearing into

several years in the United States. “I wanted to carry

rocks along the Teles Pires River

out a project based in Brazil, and give young Brazil-

in Paranaíta, on the border of the

ian musicians orchestral training,” explains Simone,

states of Mato Grosso and Pará,

who holds a PhD in Piano Performance and Music

where Brazil’s fourth-largest hy-

History from the University of Miami, and is the proj-

droelectric plant is currently under construction,

ect’s Artistic Director. She entrusted the task of re-

gave way last November 10 to the dulcet sounds of

cruiting musicians to Daniel Pires, a violin teacher

flutes, violas, oboes, cellos and violins. The Aca-

at the Federal University at Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ),

demia Jovem Concertante (Young Concert Musi-

and the result is a 21-piece orchestra with members

cian Academy), sponsored by Odebrecht Energia,

from nine Brazilian states.

was performing under the baton of violinist Daniel

In addition to sponsorship of a seven-city tour

Pires. Accompanied by pianist Simone Leitão, the

covering most of the areas where Odebrecht Ener-

21 young virtuosos played works by Villa-Lobos,

gia has projects (Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Natal,

Bach, Mozart, Guerra-Peixe and Antonio Carlos

Porto Velho, Recife, Rio Grande and Paranaíta) and

Jobim for thousands of members of Odebrecht

a stipend for the musicians, the chamber orches-

Energia, the investor for the Teles Pires Dam, and

tra, composed of nine violins, three violas, two cel-

Odebrecht Infraestrutura, the company respon-

los, two horns, two oboes, a bassoon and a flute,

sible for building the project.

will receive the box office revenue from concerts

The Academia Jovem Concertante project was the

for which tickets were sold. Not all its members

brainchild of pianist Simone Leitão, who has spent

can afford to buy their own instruments. Violinist

Teles Pires: record-breaking audience Of all the stops on the group’s tour, which began on October 31 in the Tom Jobim Space in Rio de Janeiro, and ended on November 13 at the Municipal Theater in Rio Grande, the concert at the Teles Pires Dam conA young violinist concentrates on the score: a unique opportunity for youths from several parts of Brazil

Thamyris Nascimento, 23, is from Rio de Janeiro.

struction site broke the record for the largest audience. “A classical music concert is good for everyone’s soul,” says Project Director Antônio Augusto de Castro Santos. The venue was the Rosa Branca (White Rose) Farm, the 300-hectare area where 3,700 Odebrecht Infraestrutura

Teles Pires Dam project members: taking a break from work to enjoy classical music

She learned to play at the evangelical church her family attends in North Zone of Rio, and because she showed promise, her teacher gave her a Chinese violin when she was 9. She only managed to acquire a new, handmade instrument like the ones more advanced violinists play when she was 18 years old. People who dream of playing an instrument overcome all kinds of obstacles to get them. Dora Queiroz, from Rio Grande do Sul, enjoyed playing guitar in a rock band in her hometown of Getúlio Vargas until she heard the Johann Sebastian Bach’s cello suites for the first time. “I’ve got to learn to play that,” she thought. With a great deal of sacrifice, she bought herself a cello and studied music at the Fed-

members are currently living and working. That num-

eral University at Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto

ber is expected to reach 6,000 by the time the project is

Alegre. In 2007, her instrument was stolen before

completed in the next three years.

it was even paid for. It turned up four months later, during a police raid.

Thousands of Odebrecht members attended the concert, and heard the “Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4 Prelude” by Villa-Lobos, the “Concerto No. 1 in D Minor for Piano and Strings” by Bach, “Symphony No. 29 in A Major” by Mozart, the “Concertino for Violin and Chamber Orchestra” by Guerra-Peixe, with a solo by Daniel Guedes, and two horns, and the composition “I Know that I will Love You” by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, arranged by Wagner Tiso, with a piano solo by Simone Leitão. “It was beautiful. I had never heard a live orchestra before,” said Ivani Santos, who works on the electromechanical assembly for the plant. “It wasn’t my first con-

Performing in Rio de Janeiro: one of the seven cities the chamber orchestra visited on its tour

cert, but this one, at the construction site, was certainly unique,” says her boyfriend Tiago Neves, who works in the welding area.

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perspective MEMORY AND written by Zaccaria Junior photos by Bruna Romaro

“T

he highway runs on to the village of Estevais, then to Cardanha and Adeganha. The traveler cannot stop everywhere, cannot knock on every door to ask questions and heal the lives of those who live there. But as he neither can, nor wants to detach

himself from his interests, and has a fascination for the work of men’s hands, he goes to Adeganha, where they told him there is a delightful Romanesque chapel, only yea high.... The church is everything it should be. Their boast was no exaggeration. Here, in these windswept heights, in the biting cold and scorching sun, the tiny church heroically resists the centuries. Its edges are broken, the statues and gargoyles are disfigured on its surrounding corbels, but it would be hard to find more purity, more transcendent beauty. The church in Adeganha is something to keep in your heart, like the golden stone of Miranda.” This excerpt from Journey to Portugal, by the Nobel Prizewinning Portuguese writer José Saramago, demonstrates the cultural and historical wealth of Adeganha, one of many small villages in the Trás-os-Montes region in northeast Portugal. Adeganha is connected to Torre de Moncorvo village, in the district of Bragança, where the Baixo Sabor Complementary Group of Companies (ACE), formed by Odebrecht-Bento Pedroso Construções and Lena Construções, is building the Baixo Sabor Dam for Gestão da Produção de Energia S.A.(EDP). The Baixo Sabor project actually includes the construction of two dams equipped with reversible generator groups – one upstream and one downstream on the Sabor River. Standing 123 meters high, the upstream dam is the largest of the two that make up the hydroelectric plant, and will be the second highest in Portugal. Its storage capacity will provide a more significant strategic water reserve in the Douro River basin.

Living Village When the project arrived in the region, a group of people connected to its team of archaeologists (a total of 184 archaeologists are involved in Baixo Sabor) was sensitized by the theme of valuing local culture. They came up with the Living Village project, which focuses on the intangible heritage found in the

In Portugal, appreciation for culture is the focus of a project in the vicinity of the Baixo Sabor Dam construction works, where investments in job and income creation are another highlight

Maria AngĂŠlica Lage: living memory of Trasmontana culture

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region’s villages and which, in many cases, is unknown to people living in big cities. Archaeologist Rita Gaspar, 35, coordinates prehistoric studies, and André do Carmo Tereso, 29, is a conservation and restoration specialist. These members of the Baixo Sabor hydroelectric project observe that Living Village got started through contact with the local community, which was interested in preserving and transmitting its ancestral knowledge to new generations. “We began to realize that this region is very isolated and aging. Jobs are scarce, so the younger population ends up leaving,” says Rita. She explains that the absence of young people in the village prevents their elders from passing on their traditional lore, including farming methods, recipes, dances, songs and legends that should be perpetuated. “We wanted to show people the memories a village stores and share them through events,” explains Rita. She observes that they have held events involving other villages in the region so that everyone can experience Adeganha’s customs, and others will also feel motivated to hold similar gatherings in their own villages, which strengthens their regional culture. “People had a very mechanical idea of everything they did, but they weren’t passing on what they knew. We didn’t want that knowledge to be lost,” says André Tereso. During a quick tour of Adeganha, the Odebrecht Informa team saw this first-hand. While wandering in a maze of narrow alleyways crammed with stone houses, the reporter

Odebrecht-Bento Pedroso Construções has encour-

and photographer were invited into the home of

aged professional education and the qualification

Maria Angélica Lage, 90, who sat warming herself

of companies from the start. “We try to encourage

before the fireplace, stirring the wood with a stick

local entrepreneurs and businesses,” says Antônio

as she asked with a smile: “Want to hear a song?”

Monteiro, the Administrative and Financial Manager

Then she began to sing about daily life in Trás-os-

for the project. “We visited the local business as-

Montes, as well as saying prayers and telling tales

sociation and attended several meetings, where we

about her father, husband, and children and the

explained our needs and the opportunities the proj-

time she lived in Angola. “See? We mustn’t lose all

ect could generate in the region. We showed that we

that,” said André.

were open to dialogue. While we focus more on our

Generating jobs and income

own business, we are providing opportunities for local business development,” observes Monteiro, who

In addition to valuing local culture, another focus

currently uses local companies to provide services

of attention when the project arrived in the region

like cleaning, car washing, air conditioning mainte-

was on the need to generate jobs and income for the

nance, as well as metalworking and the manage-

communities in the vicinity of the Baixo Sabor Dam.

ment of the jobsite’s restaurants.

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Francisco Fevereiro: “They put their trust in us”

Maria Angélica Lage

Francisco Braz is a case in point. When he

Torre de Moncorvo and, when the economy tanked in

heard about the arrival of the project and the

2008, I thought it would be hard to make it turn a profit.

large amount of work associated with the con-

So when they started getting ready to build the Baixo

struction of the Baixo Sabor Dam, he set up the

Sabor Dam, I contacted the people in charge and they

Colheventos company, based in Torre de Mon-

told me they would be willing to rent part of that facility.

corvo. Currently, his company has 13 members

Two days later, I got a call from the subcontractor that

who are responsible for cleaning the jobsite, in-

was doing excavation work for the project. It wasn’t

cluding offices and dormitories. “Before I started

long before I started getting requests for jobs from the

this business, I asked the people responsible for

metalwork shop to get the project going,” says Fever-

Baixo Sabor for information. They assured me

eiro. He emphasizes that, for him, the most important

they would hold a tender and that I could bid for

part of this story was that the people responsible for

the contract. They were even giving priority to lo-

the project took the initiative to find a local company

cal businesses,” he says.

that could do the work, and believed in a small com-

Metalwork shop owner Francisco Fevereiro recalls

pany. “They put their trust in us, and we won’t let the

that his involvement with the project came about “the

project stop for a second for lack of supplies,” he says,

simplest way imaginable.” “I had just built a facility in

clearly in a mood to celebrate.

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PROFILE: Cláudio Castro

Help from someone who understands Now the coordinador of sustainable development projects in the Dominican Republic, he learned all about small farms early on, in Brazil

written by José Enrique Barreiro photo by Geraldo Pestalozzi láudio Castro was born in

During his five years with the Foun-

Then, in 2010, Cláudio became part

Itabuna, southern Bahia, in the

dation, Cláudio Castro managed the

of the team reporting directly to Marco

heart of the “endless land” in

Southern Bahia Lowlands Institute

Cruz, Odebrecht’s CEO in the DR, as

the mid-1950s. It was there, as writer

for Sustainable Development (IDES)

the officer Responsible for Support

Jorge Amado described so well in

and the Sea Family House, and co-

for Social/Environmental and Com-

several of his novels, that cocoa pro-

ordinated the implementation of the

munication Programs: “My name-

duction was the backdrop for an am-

Agroforesty Family House in Igrap-

sake, Cláudio Medeiros, here in the

biguous socioeconomic setting. Cláu-

iúna. “It was a remarkable experi-

Dominican Republic has taught me

dio also knew of the two sides of the

ence,” he says. “I was able to work

so much. Now I have the opportunity

cocoa cycle, which reached its height

alongside Mr. Norberto Odebrecht,

of working with and learning from

during the thirty years preceding his

who taught me a lot. And I could do

Marco Cruz in this new and challeng-

birth: the power of a few landowners

what I like; what I think is right, which

ing phase of my career.”

on one side and the harsh social real-

is contributing to the struggle to re-

Married, the father of three and

ity of thousands of rural families who

duce social inequalities and create

a doting grandfather (“I got a beauti-

reaped little benefit from the wealth of

opportunities to generate work and

ful granddaughter as a gift this year,

the cocoa trees on the other.

income for rural families.” Looking

and we are looking forward to another

The question is inevitable: was

back on his time at the Odebrecht

grandchild due in March”), Cláudio

it because of this that Cláudio ar-

Foundation, he makes a point of

emphasizes the importance of family in

rived at the Odebrecht Foundation

mentioning two leaders who also

his personal life and the programs he

in 2002 to work in this rural zone

taught him a great deal: Antônio Car-

works with. “Appreciating family values

of the Southern Bahia Lowlands,

los Viard and Marcelo Walter.

is the basis for social development.”

to support the poor families in the

In 2007, Cláudio arrived in the

Restless and extremely self-crit-

region? He replies: “Previously, I

Dominican Republic to continue do-

ical (“I have always been like that

had worked in the data process-

ing what he likes most: coordinating

and always will”), Cláudio cannot

ing area at the Góes Cohabita con-

Odebrecht’s sustainable development

abide hypocrisy (“one of the most

struction company, but joining the

activities in that country. “We deployed

terrible sides that a human being

Odebrecht Foundation was a major

programs that focused on forming

can show”). However, he is always

professional watershed in my life.

community and family agricultural

overjoyed when he sees the results

The opportunity arose and I grabbed

associations, environmental educa-

of his work. “What makes me happy

it. I was highly motivated, probably

tion and producing work and income

is feeling that I am helping improve

because, as a child, I was aware of

opportunities.” He highlights the

people’s lives. They are often people

the tremendous need to support the

Housing Construction Project in the

that I don’t know and never will. I be-

sustainable development of the ru-

Guayuyal Community and the Prov-

lieve that we come into this life to be

ral zones in Bahia – and moreover,

ince of San Juan, the Sewing and Ar-

happy and make others happy and

the entire North and Northeast of

tisans’ Cooperatives in Samaná, and

that is the objective that we must

our country”.

the Educating is Building Program.

seek to achieve every day.”

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Cláudio Castro: “We come into this life to be happy and make others happy”

Carlos José: “Toda obra tem começo, meio e fim, mas esta aqui é permanente”

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77 77

courage FIRM BELIEF IN TALENT AND

The Recycling Women project enables social inclusion by generating income from handicrafts written by Luiz Assumpção photo by André Valentim

agali de Almeida Cesar Machado

“My life has improved a lot”

turned to handicrafts as therapy. To

“I resisted the idea of abandoning the people who

overcome a bout of depression, she

saw hope for a better life in these classes,” recalls

decided to learn a different skill,

Magali. “I had to do something. There were lots of

so she took a course and started

women who were on their own, abandoned, with chil-

selling her creations at fairs. Soon her work started attracting attention. Her friends and neighbors in the Malvinas community in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, showed interest in the skill she had developed, and Magali decided to share her knowledge. The artisan invited four friends to develop a project that would include women from her community. She believed that other people could benefit from her skills. That is how the Recycling Women Project (Promur) was born in 2007. Using scraps of fabric collected from local garment makers, the participants learned to make bags, clothes and other items. The workshops were held on Saturdays. Magali rented a place where she could teach, paying the rent out of her own pocket. But then, after bankrolling the project on her own for a few months, the founder lost the job that paid Promur’s bills. After nearly two years of activity, the project would have had to close its doors. Fortunately, an anonymous

businessman was willing to pay the rent for the studio where the classes were held. Instead of giving just one class per week, the

founder started to devote herself exclusively to Promur, which is now open daily, holding free workshops from 8 am to 4 pm. The project, whose goals are unity, overcoming adversity and social inclusion with income generation, has had the support of Odebrecht Oil & Gas (OOG) since 2011.

dren to raise. I had to use the skills I’d learned to help

ring financial resources from the sale of recyclable materials

them make money and survive.”

produced at its offshore drilling units to help Promur buy its

Pensioner Maria Estela Moura, 70, used to feel helpless and forsaken. She was looking for a pastime, and

own headquarters. After two years of partnership, project participants’ average income has increased by 23%.

found much more at the studio in the Malvinas community

About 400 women have taken Promur workshops. Al-

when she joined the project three years ago. “I felt all alone.

though some students are just looking for a hobby, most

Thanks to Promur, my life has got better, too. I’ve learned,

of them have started producing handicrafts independently

taught, made friends, and I can even make some money.”

and can now earn enough to support their families. “Some

Through the Schools in Action program, an OOG initiative organized in partnership with the city of Macaé and UNES-

girls have even started their own businesses thanks to what they’ve learned in the workshops,” says Magali proudly.

CO, the company identified some of the characteristics of

Hundreds have already benefited from one person’s

that program in Promur, such as participative management

initiative and perseverance. Several residents of nearby ar-

and the capacity for social mobilization. OOG’s support con-

eas recognize the importance of Promur’s work and want

sists of encouraging and helping Promur carry out profes-

to see a branch open closer to home. Promur is a project

sional education courses, participate in craft fairs and sell

that generates income and contributes to the socioeco-

its members’ products at the company’s Logistics Support

nomic development of low-income communities. As the

Bases in Macaé, organizing workshops on management,

Odebrecht Entrepreneurial Technology (TEO) advises and

and ordering custom giveaways and gifts for the company’s

emphasizes, Magali and her team don’t give people fish.

seminars and annual meetings. Moreover, OOG is transfer-

They teach them to fish.

Retiree Maria Estela Moura (left) with her friend Marla Cruz: “I’ve learned, taught, made friends and even manage to make some money”

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Argument

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Converging views on sustainability “We must find the ‘win-win’ way to construct the necessary infrastructure in each country. We must leave the route of conflict and consider a new path for this construction”

ew concepts are as frequently discussed as sustainability. There is no disagreement regarding its applicability to any

We have made progress, but we can still broaden the spectrum of these achievements. We must find the “win-win” way to construct

branch of human activity, but the challenges

the necessary infrastructure in each coun-

involved can be disheartening, especially

try. We must leave the route of conflict and

when it comes to issues related to climate

consider a new path for this construction. We

change and the elimination of poverty. But

can put in place a hierarchy of issues when it

the focus here is on using what we have al-

comes to social and environmental impacts,

ready accomplished to guide what we should

aiming to prevent, mitigate and lastly compen-

achieve going forward.

sate. We need to stop focusing on individual

There is good reason for optimism, and that

projects that lose the sense of the whole, and

is what drives us to take action, as UN Sec-

consider a portfolio of territory-based options.

retary General Ban Ki Moon said at a recent

We must include the overall local, regional and

meeting in Doha.

global benefits in impact assessments, instead

The last decade of the previous century

of taking a merely local perspective. In short,

and the first of this one marked a period in

we must insert each project in its territorial

which we advanced considerably in our un-

and sectoral context.

derstanding of sustainability and the practic-

Finally, although there are more opportuni-

es leading to it. We started out by positioning

ties for improvement, it is time to endow proj-

the players on the sides of good and evil,

ects with elements that allow for adjustments

respectively, the third and second sectors,

and improvements over time. These are the

with the first sector (government) playing the

elements that we are developing in an initiative

role of command and control.

called “new intelligence for infrastructure,”

It took us some time to let the focus on

which reflects our commitment to the path to

“who is right” transition to “what is right.”

sustainability.

We have made progress because we left the trenches to find a field of demands and opportunities, and finally reach the tangible

Ana Cristina Barros

aspect of what sustainability is all about. As

is responsible for

representatives of a third-sector organiza-

the Smart

tion, we can say that these results have only

Infrastructure

occurred where there were alliances among

program, run by

NGOs, communities, businesses and

the NGO TNC for

governments.

Latin America

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In harmonious and

productive waters In the Southern Bahia Lowlands, people are coming to understand that everyone can contribute to the environmental balance of their habitat written by Gabriela Vasconcellos photos by Almir Bindilatti

82 82

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very day when he wakes up and opens

more, because this is an activity that everybody

the window, Adenilton do Nascimento,

believes in.”

31, looks out on Lake Antônio Rocha.

Therefore, it is the waters of Lake Antônio Rocha

It is his source of income, since he

that enable the aquafarmer to support his wife and

farms fish in its waters. The source

three children, but his work does not end with feed-

of the lake is named after his father, who has lived

ing tilapia. Deninho believes that, like everyone else

in that region for over 30 years, and is a prominent

in the community, he is responsible for keeping the

figure in the Juliana community, located in Piraí do

lake clean. He lives near the source, and working in

Norte, in the Southern Bahia Lowlands.

partnership with the Land Conservation Organiza-

Better known as Deninho, Adenilton is a mem-

tion (OCT), he has planted a hectare of land with dif-

ber and treasurer of the Continental Waters

ferent crops, such as rubber and fruit trees, a meth-

Aquafarmers’ Cooperative (Coopecon). The result

od known as the Agroforestry System (SAF). “The

of the social mobilization of fish farmers and ru-

SAF is included free of charge, providing a source of

ral families, Coopecon was founded in 2010, and

income for the family unit. It offsets the use of part

Deninho was one of the first to join. “The payback

of his land to preserve native vegetation,” says Vol-

is growing every day. Today I make about BRL

ney Fernandes, the Leader of the OCT’s Cooperative

1,000 [per month], and I believe I will earn even

Alliance for Environmental Services.

Adenilton do Nascimento, his wife and three children on Lake Antônio Rocha: with the help of partners, the aquafarmer is raising fish and reforesting

“We could see that when the land was cleared, there was less water. Thanks to reforestation, we’re protecting these resources for future generations. I never thought I’d ever do that. I used to hurt the environment and now I’m defending it,” says Deninho. With the OCT’s support, the aquafarmer has also planted an additional hectare with eucalyptus trees. “Growing trees will be very good for us, because instead of cutting down the forest, we can harvest own wood,” he says. “People here didn’t have that kind of awareness,” he adds. Deninho’s wife, Leandra Santos, trusts her husband’s judgment. “My kids are thinking about following in their father’s footsteps,” she says, clearly pleased, and shares her own dream: building a new home. Deninho is thinking about his children’s future. “I never had a chance to study, but I want to give them a good education, and teach them the

Yasmin, Adenilton’s eldest daughter: she wants to be an aquafarming technician

importance of living in a community and preserving nature,” he says. His eldest daughter, Yasmin, is in the 5th grade at Youth House State School (CECJ) in Igrapiúna county, Bahia, and is thinking of becoming an aquafarming technician when she grows up. “I encourage Yasmin every single day,” says Deninho.

Strengthening four types of capital

enable progress. This is also what Deninho wants. With the help of the Rights and Citizenship Institute (IDC), he has achieved a basic right for his

Coopecon, OCT and CECJ are institutions linked

family and community: civil documents. “The IDC

to the Development and Integrated Growth Pro-

organized a project here, and I took the opportuni-

gram with Sustainability for the Southern Bahia

ty to get ID cards for my kids. A lot of my neighbors

Lowlands Environmental Protection Areas Mosaic

had no papers at all. We all know that an undocu-

(PDCIS). Supported by the Odebrecht Foundation,

mented person is not a citizen,” he argues.

in partnership with government agencies, civil so-

A role model in his community, the aquafarmer is

ciety organizations and private institutions, the PD-

also committed to leading the Association of Small

CIS simultaneously works to strengthen four types

Farmers in the Juliana Region. With the support

of capital: productive, through the establishment of

of the Pratigi Environmental Protection Area (APA)

strategic cooperative alliances to generate jobs and

Guardian Association, which, like the IDC, is also

income; human, represented by educational cen-

part of the PDCIS, Deninho’s association has mobi-

ters that help groom young entrepreneurs; social,

lized the 40 families that live in the Antônio Rocha

by encouraging the construction of a more just and

area. “I want to bring people together to discuss the

egalitarian society; and environmental, through ac-

best things to do,” he says. For Deninho, the im-

tivities that prioritize the recovery and conservation

portant thing is to strengthen the residents’ feeling

of natural resources.

of belonging, and thereby achieve the Eighth Mil-

Essentially, the program is based on the prem-

lennium Goal: developing a global partnership for

ise that development represents the human evolu-

development. “By joining forces, we will get results

tionary process, and that everyone can contribute

like bigger incomes and the conservation of natural

to the balance of their natural habitat and thereby

resources,” he affirms.

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Next issue: Synergy

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Founded in 1944, Odebrecht is a Brazilian organization made up of diversified businesses with global operations and world-class standards of quality. Its 180,000 members are present in the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Europe.

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Rogério Reis

“Dissatisfaction with existing conditions is part of human nature. A tendency towards optimism is an innate quality of people endowed with the entrepreneurial spirit” TEO (Odebrecht Entrepreneurial Technology)

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