Samarco entered into a partnership with Fundação Antônio Francisco Lisboa - O Aleijadinho - to build an educational center with two classrooms, a meeting and coordination room, secretariat, library, laboratories, bathrooms, in addition to the lounge that will be used to host free professional training courses for residents of Ouro Preto, in Minas Gerais.
All spaces were built based on an inclusive project, guided by accessibility, and will operate at the foundation's principal place of business. The inauguration was yesterday, April 24, with the presence of several representatives from public authorities, associations, students of the new course and other institutions.
With the purpose of contributing to the diversification and sustainable development of the local economy, the first course offered is Elderly Care Technician. The 36 vacancies have already been filled by the community.
At 45 years old, Adriana de Jesus Ancelmo is one of the students enrolled in the course. A resident of the Alto da Cruz neighborhood, she currently works as a cleaning assistant, but hopes to improve her life with the new qualification.
"I hope to learn, grow to help my family and improve in my profession. I am making a dream come true. I am grateful for the opportunity.”
Based on demand and employability studies, the course is designed to accredit students to enter the job market, as explained by Guilherme Louzada, expert in Institutional Relations at Samarco.
“The Aleijadinho Foundation’s initiative to provide skills that are lacking in the region and that are in demand is a way of contributing to the diversification of the local economy. We are very glad as this is in line with Samarco's efforts to increase this diversification, fostering other sectors of the economy besides Mining."
Lasting 18 months, the course started in March is divided into three semesters, totaling 1,200 hours/300 days. There are 17 subjects with varied workloads and dynamic methodology that take place in the afternoon and at night, aiming at meeting social demand.
Aleijadinho Foundation
“The educational center is the result of a dream of enabling employability and improving income for people in the region. And with the support of Samarco, it was possible to achieve it”, highlights Márcio Fernandes Guimarães, chairman of the Fundação Antônio Francisco Lisboa.
The foundation is a non-governmental, non-profit entity, purpose of which is to promote the socio-educational development of the community of Ouro Preto and the region, in addition to supporting sports, education, leisure and cultural projects for children and adolescents.
The location primarily serves public high school students, including education for young people and adults in socially vulnerable situations. Samarco is a partner of the foundation and is part of the entity's board of directors.
Photos: Fundação Aleijadinho and Samarco open educational center in Ouro Preto / Credits: Aleijadinho Foundation/ Ane Souza
