FOCO ends activities of the Sustainable Communities Program at SebraeLab

The presentations of entrepreneurship projects by 26 teenagers concluded the Awakening course. The Otacílio Coser Foundation (FOCO) wrapped up another initiative of the Sustainable Communities Program on the night of last Monday, the 2nd, at the SebraeLab innovation space in Vitória. To conclude this cycle, which benefited students from the Ormanda Gonçalves State School in Cobilândia - Vila Velha, the teenagers presented the social enterprise projects developed during the Awakening course, offered by FOCO in partnership with Sebrae/ES. "During the course, the teenagers learned about business models with social impact and leave here empowered to make a difference in the social issues of their communities. During the idea pitch, we could observe the sensitivity and desire of these young people to contribute to a better reality for themselves and their peers through entrepreneurship," commented FOCO's Program Coordinator, Ana Paula Carvalho. With ideas aimed at solving social and environmental problems such as selective waste collection, substance dependence, obesity, and support for homeless individuals, the youth showcased a wealth of creativity. For student Edryelle de Andrade do Rosário, the initiative provided a new perspective on the job market and entrepreneurship. Student Vitória de Aguiar Castro highlighted that, in addition to market issues, the course contributed to the personal development of the participants. “We learned to set goals and to be more focused. After the Awakening, we became more centered individuals,” she said. The school's coordinator, Romas Gonçalves do Rosário, attended the event and emphasized the importance of actions like this for the future of the youth. “Now, they look at the future differently.” Legacy FOCO is named after one of the greatest entrepreneurs in Espírito Santo, Otacílio José Coser. Founder of the Coimex Group and with a decades-long trajectory in entrepreneurship, the businessman passed away at the age of 92 on November 5th. The Foundation is one of his legacies and works to strengthen the ties between communities, schools, and companies through the Sustainable Communities development programs, Rede Escolaí, and Blend Program.