CBA's Environmental Education Program recognizes school projects in Zona da Mata Mineira

Seven initiatives were showcased during the closing of the Environmental Education Refresher Training course. In its 21-year history, over 87,000 educators from the region have now participated in the program.  Educators, school administrators and teachers from six public schools in Miraí, Muriaé, São Sebastião da Vargem Alegre, Cataguases, Carangola and Juiz de Fora attended the Closing of the Environmental Education Refresher Training. The initiative is part of the Projects of the Environmental Education Program (PEA) run by Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA), which aims to raise awareness about environmental conservation among communities.   Carried out in partnership with the company Ekoa, in 2022 the course ran the topic "The resumption of in-person classes: environmental education as an integration tool," and allowed participating teachers to develop environmental projects in their schools based on the content covered.   At the closing event at the Premium Plaza Hotel in Muriaé last month, the results of seven educational projects were presented and evaluated by a judging panel composed of representatives from CBA, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV) and Instituto Estadual de Florestas (IEF). The top three initiatives were recognized.   First place went to the project "Conscientious Disposal of Expired or Unused Medications" by teacher Vanilsa Santana Oliveira Bevilácqua from the Emília Esteves Marques State School in Carangola. The initiative addressed the issue of medication disposal based on the reality of students and drugstores in the city, providing information and guidance on the environmental impacts and health risks associated with improper disposal.   "The highlight of our project was the involvement of families, as many were still unaware of the risks and impacts of improper disposal. Now we are working to promote awareness events in the city's main square" says Vanilsa.   The teacher also adds that, "in 20 years of working with environmental education, this CBA course is one of the best I have taken, with updated content and technological tools that are suitable for the reality of communities." "I am very happy with the award.  Knowing that our project was chosen in 1^st place motivates us to continue this important work," she concludes.   The "Escola Viva!" project presented by teachers Raquel Pereira and Helen Roberto from Dr. Astolpho Rezende Municipal School in the district of Sereno, Cataguases, came second.  The initiative addressed sustainability based on recycling and reuse, cultivating healthy and profitable mindsets inside and outside the school, with community involvement harnessed as an important part of collective transformation.   Third place went to the project "School Garden: Sowing Love and Nurturing Knowledge," which emphasized the importance of ecological habits in schools, promoting environmental education through vegetable cultivation, and reintegrating students into the school space and routine. The initiative was presented by teachers Joselice Timote, Luciana Leitão and Silvane Vargas from the Astolfo Dutra State School in Cataguases.   Christian Fonseca de Andrade, the manager of CBA's Mines in Zona da Mata Mineira, emphasizes the importance of involving school communities in the initiative. "Education is the starting point for fostering environmental conservation awareness among children, youth and adults.  Our Environmental Education Program - PEA is important to expand and disseminate knowledge about CBA's sustainable mining and the environment, generating reflections and transformations in the communities around us," he concludes.   Environmental Education Program - PEA Now in its 21^st year, CBA's PEA is an initiative that aims to disseminate the environmental viability of mining activities through knowledge about the environment and to enable its conservation, sustainable use and the pursuit of values that lead to harmonious coexistence with the environment and other species that inhabit the planet.   Since its inception, the initiative has involved the participation of more than 145,000 people in Minas Gerais, where the Company has been operating its bauxite mines for over 80 years, and has been present in Zona da Mata Mineira for 40 years.   About CBA Founded in 1955, Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio - CBA is a vertically integrated producer, from cradle to gate. Able to generate 100% of energy consumed from renewable sources, CBA provides sustainable solutions for the packaging, transportation, automotive, civil construction and consumer goods sectors, as well as leading the recycling of industrial aluminum scrap. Following its flotation in 2021 (CBAV3), it became the first Company in its segment to be traded on B3. With net revenue of R$ 8.4 billion in 2021 and R$ 1.5 billion of Adjusted EBITDA in the period, CBA is committed to guaranteeing a supply of low-carbon aluminum in partnership with stakeholders, developing communities in its geographies and conserving biodiversity. Would you like to know more? Visit www.cba.com.br.   CBA Press Office – Ideia Comunicação Ângelo Franco – [email protected] | (31) 9.8435-9237 Josiane Souza – [email protected] | (31) 9.8417-3130