Spaces that host activities designed to strengthen, encourage and promote the habit of reading. These are the Reading Points, an action that is part of the National Book and Reading Plan and which involves the joint operations of Brazil’s Ministry of Culture (MinC) and Ministry of Education. Since November, the Presidente Tancredo Neves (CFR-PTN) Rural Family Home has been recognized as one of these places. The teaching unit earned the Bahia Reading Points More Culture Award due to the results of the Reading Circles project.

The result of an agreement established between the Federal Government (MinC) and Bahia State Government (Department of Culture and Pedro Calmon Foundation), the award includes initiatives throughout the entire state that, for more than a year, have promoted the practice and culture of the free access to books, magazines, periodicals and other educational support materials. “A total of 17 projects were classified, but in the Bahia Southern Lowlands, only the Family Home was considered,” explained Adelcio Menezes, the professional responsible for Projects and Agreements at CFR-PTN. “This is a distinction that makes us very happy,” he said.

After the signing of the Agreement and Commitment Term on November 20, the funding in the amount of R$ 20,000 was transferred to the institution, which will be responsible for purchasing books for the head office’s library. More than 40 national literature titles will be acquired. “This is crucial support, since it will contribute toward the development of the youth involved with the project, increasing their cultural repertoire and training them to apply the activity in their own communities,” said Maurílio de Jesus, School Secretary at CFR-PTN and multiplier of the Reading Circles.

The Family Home is associated with the Bahia Southern Lowlands Environmental Protection Area Mosaic Program for Development and Growth Integrated with Sustainability (PDCIS), supported by the Odebrecht Foundation together with partners from the public and private areas.