In order to boost social development and contribute to the sustainable progress of the communities of Boa Vista and São João da Baliza, Grupo BBF (Brasil BioFuels), the main producer of palm oil in Latin America, has signed a strategic partnership with the Center for Social and Environmental Technology in the Amazon - Amazônia Socioambiental, in addition to the collaboration of the Federal (UFRR) and State (UERR) Universities of Roraima.
The initiative focuses on training students through so-called Participatory Rapid Diagnostics (PRD), relying on the expertise of Grupo BBF.
The company's CEO, Milton Steagall, emphasizes that the project also seeks to contribute to the sustainable development of the regions served by the company, as part of its commitment to social responsibility at the Forte de São Joaquim Hybrid TPP and Baliza TPP.
Since the second half of 2023, 50 students from partner universities have been trained in the DRP methodology, enabling them to apply participatory research in municipal communities and schools.
This approach allows local communities to be actively involved in identifying challenges, formulating solutions and making decisions, and is notable for the effective participation of the population in solving problems.
The results obtained by the students will be used to guide the implementation of specific actions in the communities, such as strengthening schools, developing training programs for teachers, supporting local associations and creating social assistance programs.
CEO Steagall highlights the importance of this initiative as an example of collaboration between the public and private sectors, emphasizing the crucial role of corporate social responsibility in promoting social progress and social welfare.
Alexandre Victor, coordinator of the program and environmental consultant, says that the initiative will not only enrich the students' perspectives, but will also contribute significantly to the progress of the communities involved.
For professors Luciana Barros (EAGRO/UFRR) and Lelisângela Carvalho da Silva (UERR), the partnership represents effective integration between theory and practice, preparing students to be agents of change committed to social responsibility.
The training program in participatory methodology, which began in July, is applying participatory research in communities and municipal schools in Boa Vista and São João da Baliza, and is expected to end in 2024.
