Fourth and fifth-graders from public schools in São João da Barra, Campos, São José de Ubá and São Francisco de Itabapoana are participating in the Campo Limpo Environmental Education Program (PEA), developed by the National Institute for Processing Empty Containers (INPEV), in partnership with the Port of Açu and the Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). The project — which seeks to encourage critical thinking, awareness and community participation in activities that protect the environment — launched the 8th edition of a competition of drawings and compositions inspired by the theme “Solid residues: shared responsibility”.
Gleide Gomes, Social Responsibility coordinator of the Port of Açu, explained that the contest fuels a healthy and informative dispute among students who live in the four participating municipalities. “The idea is to instigate the children’s creativity and playful side, so that they learn about the theme in a fun and spontaneous manner. This project shows that combining art and environmental education is a strategy that works well. Our goal is to contribute more and more so that students form an awareness of their role in regards to the environment,” she said.
The manager of the Association of Agricultural Input Distributors in Northern Rio de Janeiro State (ASSINF), Herval Pereira, who represents INPEV in the region, emphasized the importance of this action in schools to spread environmental awareness. “What is so great about working with children on this subject is that they learn quickly and genuinely adopt a correct attitude in relation to the environment. Our mission is to prepare them to pass on this vital knowledge for future generations,” he added.
Ninety-six works by students were pre-selected for the dispute. All participants will receive kits provided by the port, with backpacks and notebooks customized by Costurarte, the seamstresses association of São João da Barra. The six front-runners (three of each grade) will receive a special award for presenting the best drawings and compositions. The awards ceremony will take place on August 18, on Campo Limpo National Day. The event will be held at INPEV’s location that collects empty containers of agricultural chemicals, in Ribeiro do Amaro, Campos. The national anthem will open the ceremony, followed by entertainment based on the recycling theme, such as a theater play for children, a spelling contest and dances. The winning drawing and composition of each grade will move on to the national contest, which will take place in September in São Paulo.
Campo Limpo National Day, promoted by INPEV, has been part of Brazil’s National Calendar since 2008. The institute is responsible for reverse logistics of agricultural chemicals in Brazil and is a partner of the Port of Açu in actions such as this one.
