In January, 107 new students from the Igrapiúna (CFR-I), Presidente Tancredo Neves (CFR-PTN) and Agroforest (CFAF) Rural Family Homes started yet another school year. The teaching units are part of the Governance Plan implemented by the Bahia Southern Lowlands Environmental Protection Area Mosaic Program for Development and Growth Integrated with Sustainability (PDCIS), supported by the Odebrecht Foundation in partnership with public and private institutions.

Using a unique methodology called “Trade-Off Teaching,” the students spend one week at the Family Home full-time, learning both in the classroom and on the field, and another two weeks on their properties, applying their new knowledge. The training lasts three years.

Among those who had recently arrived, there was a unanimous feeling that they are privileged to be there. Hugo Daniel Santos, age 15, who is a student of CFR-I and resident of the community of Tachos, in Nilo Peçanha, said he felt like he was dreaming. “I am so happy to have this opportunity that sometimes I even think it’s not real.”

On the first day of classes, the youth learned about the history of their communities through group dynamics and classroom activities, and with the help of the Odebrecht Foundation brochure, “Understanding PDCIS,” they received indepth instruction about the program dynamic and philosophy.