Cordeiro de Farias School to Represent Pará at National Showcase of Inspiring Practices
With the Project 'Sustainability in Action: Eco R's Ecobags', educators and students from Belém stand out in integral education with an emphasis on sustainability
The Marechal Cordeiro de Farias School, in Belém, is in a celebratory mood. One of its pedagogical projects has been selected in the Call for Proposals "Inspiring Experiences in Management and Pedagogical Projects of Full-Time Integral Education," promoted by the Ministry of Education (MEC). The Project "Sustainability in Action: Eco R's Ecobags" will represent the State at the National Showcase of Inspiring Practices, scheduled for October 1st and 2nd at the Faculty of Education of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG).
The initiative is a Project Action Plan (PPA), guided by teacher Vanuza Barbosa, which aims primarily to reduce and even replace the use of plastic bags with sustainable alternatives. Among these alternatives are bags made from reusable fabrics, synthetic leather, and even pet food packaging.
The proposal aims to contribute to environmental preservation through the reuse of materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste, in addition to being aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the UN (United Nations). The Project has already made a significant difference in the lives of the students involved, promoting not only ecological awareness but also social and professional empowerment.
Reuse - In addition to environmental concern, the Project promotes awareness among young people about the importance of reusing solid waste. By reusing fabrics and other materials, participants are encouraged to reflect on conscious consumption and the impact of their actions on the environment. In this way, the project acts as an instrument of environmental education and habit transformation.
Another relevant aspect is the training of young people in basic sewing and fashion design techniques, based on the concept of upcycling, which transforms waste into new products of higher added value. The approach stimulates creativity and broadens the technical repertoire of participants, providing a practical and enriching experience.
The Project also contributes to the professional training of young people, offering the opportunity to develop a craft occupation. This knowledge can, in the future, complement their academic training and even become an alternative source of income and insertion into the job market.
“The school community is immensely happy for yet another achievement. As school management, I feel fulfilled with the result, as our work is integrated and committed to the quality of education. It is especially gratifying to see this effort being recognized through good results. The school management plays a fundamental role in the management and success of the institution, and the recognition of this work is essential to maintain the motivation and engagement of the entire team. Our school seeks to be a reference in education, and these achievements demonstrate that we are on the right path,” said Trícia Amoras Alves, the unit's director.
Expansion - Full-time education is one of the current administration's priorities. New schools have been included in the full-time model, increasing the number of students served with extended hours, enhanced meals, extracurricular activities, sports, and pedagogical support.
In the year 2025, Seduc incorporated 49 new schools into the Full-Time Education Program (PEI), totaling 161 institutions adopting this pedagogical approach. The impact of this expansion is also reflected in enrollment numbers. Six thousand students were enrolled in full-time schools in 2018. In 2025, this number jumped to 48 thousand vacancies, an eightfold increase.
Selection - The Ministry of Education, through the Basic Education Secretariat (SEB), announced the final result of the selection of Inspiring Experiences in Management and Full-Time Integral Education Pedagogical Projects. A total of 739 initiatives from all states were recognized, available on the official selection page.
This selection covered experiences from 25 states and 714 municipalities, including 15 capitals. The proposals will be part of an interactive map to be launched in October. Additionally, 25 education networks will have their actions recorded in a narrative booklet (December), 75 secretariats will participate in an exchange network (March to November 2026), and 127 practices will be presented at the National Showcase on October 1st and 2nd at UFMG.
The initiative is the result of a partnership with the Minas Gerais University, through the Teia Group, within the Full-Time School Program, which seeks to increase enrollments with a minimum daily workload of 7 hours, prioritizing students in vulnerable situations. The Program offers technical and financial support to the networks, based on the BNCC (National Common Curricular Base).
