The initiative aims to strengthen professional technical training in the municipality, where Hydro’s Alunorte alumina refinery and Albras aluminium plant are located. The school is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, with up to BRL 25 million funded by Hydro.

The project will be designed by Hydro for approval by the State Secretariat for Science, Technology and Professional Education and Technology Education (SECTET). Hydro will do the construction work, and the project will potentially generate around 250 direct jobs during construction. After completion, the building will be donated to the Government of Pará, which will be responsible for the facility, operation and maintenance of the school.

The school will include an auditorium, libraries, laboratories, living areas, a theater for cultural activities, a multi-sport court and cafeterias.

“Hydro is committed to make a relevant contribution to a fair and viable society, and to the sustainable development of the communities where we operate. This initiative is in line with our Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, which is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We acknowledge the potential of professional and technical education and access to employment as social transformers. Therefore, we believe in the positive difference that this initiative will make in Barcarena and the region,” said Anderson Baranov, vice president of Government Relations for Hydro in Brazil.

Hydro social programs in education and training for sustainable development benefited more than around 15,000 people in the State of Pará in 2018 and 2019.