Ethical principles, commitment to transparency and acting with integrity.  In order to strengthen these concepts and practices among the institutions that are part of the Program for Development and Growth Integrated with Sustainability (PDCIS), Odebrecht Foundation held a workshop on April 19 at the Papuã Center (Ibirapitanga-BA), which brought together leaders, educational and technical consultants from the Family Houses and the Land Conservation Organization (OCT), social organizations supported by the Odebrecht Foundation in the Baixo Sul region of Bahia.

 

Gabriela Lira, lawyer at the Foundation’s Legal Department, moderated the meeting, bringing up issues about legislation and governance. According to her, it was an important exchange of experiences at a time when the political and social scenarios in the country demand such attitudes from representatives from the tertiary sector. “Institutions in the PDCIS take an active approach and are aware of the important role they play in the region. This initiative was one way of showing how ethics, integrity and transparency are not merely confined to discourse, but are also in practice at these organizations,” she said.

 

In addition to theory, the workshop promoted a debate among the participants based on a questionnaire sent beforehand listing issues related to the topic, such as the anti-corruption law. Through group dynamic activities, participants could also get practice on procedures such as contractual charges and documentary evidence for a social investor. According to Lázaro Rodrigues, Educational Advisor of the Agroforestry Family House (Cfaf) , the interactive dialogue succeeded in its objective of enhancing knowledge for all those involved, as representatives of institutions that deal with the government and civil society. “The discussions contributed directly to make our work increasingly based on transparency, morality, legality and social responsibility. A reference for our peers, partners and communities we serve,” he said.

 

According to Gabriela Lira, the next step on the training agenda is the replication of this content by the participants. “They are capable of organizing workshops such as this involving service providers, team members, directors and other stakeholders who are directly involved,” she emphasized. Booklets and presentations containing the topics discussed were distributed as support material.

 

“This is an initiative that underscores the role of the Odebrecht Foundation in positively influencing by setting an example, by exchanging expertise and by training communities towards building a fairer and more ethical society, emphasizing the commitment to social investors, government and society,” said Cristiane Nascimento, responsible for PDCIS and one of the coordinators of the training program together with Thiago Maciel, also from the Odebrecht Foundation team.