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November 5, 2009
Students from Itamaracá (PE) win the first-ever Sustainability Fun Event, promoted by Alcoa employees
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Social, economic and environmental aspects are worth a lot of points in tests involving 120 students of the public network
Glue, cardboard, scissors, toothpicks, plastic, aluminum and a whole range of other materials; all this, plus good ideas, can lead to a great project at no cost in money terms – and best of all it involves the participation of young citizens. This was the proposal behind the first-ever Sustainability Fun Event, held last Saturdav, October 24 at Alcoa’s unit in Itapissuma (PE). The event, promoted and organized by local Company leaders, was attended by 120 6th grade students from public schools in Itapissuma, Igarassu and Itamaracá, municipalities in the Greater Recife region.
“We encourage these young people to create projects and solutions for their towns in a lighthearted and irreverent way, without ignoring responsibility and commitment, characteristics that are intrinsic to these students,” explains Fátima Brandão, Alcoa’s public and community relations co-ordinator. “This initiative contributed to publicizing the concept and importance of sustainability in the lives of people, communities and the planet. We can and we must provide guidance for these students so that they act with social, economic and environmental responsibility in the places where they live.” comments Gustavo Câmara, who is in charge of the plant’s Health, Safety and Environmental area.
The competition included general knowledge tests covering various subjects relating to the three municipalities and to Alcoa. For this challenge Alcoa sent the participating schools material containing historical and institutional information about the towns and the company, which had to be studied beforehand and which served as a basis for the overall task.
In the second stage there was a talk about sustainability presented by managers from Alcoa. The presentation provided background information so that the 40 representatives from each municipality could understand sustainability, its importance and how to act in favor of it.
After this presentation the students had to prepare their proposals and solutions for an activity that focused on sustainable development and that was backed up with a model. This was made with waste material and other residue generated at Alcoa’s plant. (paper, cardboard, plastic, PET bottles), and other material that was indispensable for carrying out this task. “The subject was explored to a maximum by the students a task which favored their creativity and innovation. “ , was how it was summed up by Marly Novaes, Environment coordinator, who emphasizes that the success of work like this was due to the fact that it included sustainable aspects (environmental excellence, economic success and social responsibility).
The Senator Paulo Pessoa Guerra school in Itamaracá gained most points in the two tasks and was named overall winner of the first-ever Sustainability Fun Event; it won a computer and printer. All three municipalities received trophies for having taken part in the competition. “In fact, because they carried out a valuable exercise in citizenship, these students came out of this experience stronger, in addition to contributing to the sustainable development of the municipalities in which they live”, was how Fátima Brandão sums it up.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems. The Company has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for eight consecutive years. Alcoa employs approximately 63,000 people in 31 countries across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com
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