BRAZIL
(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, provided donor funding for a new photovoltaic system at the Salesian Missionary Inspectorate of the Amazon Salesian School of Work, located in Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil. The institution now generates clean and renewable energy, reducing electricity costs and strengthening its environmental sustainability actions. The system includes 197 photovoltaic modules, a 75-kw inverter, a metal mounting structure installed on a zinc roof and copper cabling.
Approximately 1,000 students and 22 collaborators are direct beneficiaries of the project. This includes youth aged 14-24 as well as adult collaborators. Many students come from situations of social and economic vulnerability in the metropolitan region of Belém, Pará.
Jorge William de Sousa Santos, from the school, said, “At the Salesian School of Work, we believe that education must walk side by side with example. By implementing renewable energy on our roof, we are helping the financial health of the institution. We have already saved 32% in costs in the first month, which is key to enabling further improvements for the school.”
He added, “This change is also allowing us to train professionals. We have the course available for photovoltaic roof assembler, making our roof a living laboratory. The student learns theory in class and sees the school itself being driven by this technology. Green energy and economic sustainability are no longer just the future. They are the now. With this economy, we are gaining momentum to strengthen our sustainability policies and invest in what matters most — the quality of education for youth.”
Salesian missionaries in Brazil provide education, workforce development and social services throughout the country and specifically focus on children with disabilities within several programs. Missionaries help to meet the basic needs of poor youth, including street children, and provide them with an education and life skills to gain employment, break the cycle of poverty and lead productive lives.
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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)
Salesian Missions – Brazil
World Bank – Brazil
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