UsiPaz Jurunas/Condor Culinary Courses Transform the Lives of Entrepreneurial Women
With the initiative from Sectet, over 800 students completed the course from January to October 2025 at the community complex
Biology teacher Rosemary Ueno has participated in more than 20 modules of Culinary courses at Usina da Paz Jurunas/Condor in Belém, and emphasizes the transformation she has experienced since the delivery of the community complex. “I was already making cakes for the school where I work, but I wanted to improve my knowledge and expand my production. With the opportunities offered by UsiPaz, I am learning new techniques and, with more preparation, I am able to venture into the field as a supplement to my family income,” assures Rosemary Ueno.
From January to October 2025, over 800 students have completed the Culinary courses at UsiPaz Jurunas/Condor, representing more than double the number of students who finished the training in 2024. The initiative, from the State Secretariat of Science, Technology and Higher, Professional and Technological Education (Sectet), is aimed at professional training and income generation. The classes cover everything from good food handling practices to small business management and culinary marketing.
“Sectet is committed to professional training and social development, and the Culinary courses at the Usinas da Paz are an example of this. More than just providing technical training, they offer people the chance to generate income, venture into entrepreneurship, and value the rich food culture of our State,” highlights Victor Dias, head of the Secretariat.
Qualification - Chef Narinha Tabosa, responsible for different modules of the Culinary course at UsiPaz, explains that the initiative represents the opportunity for free qualification and entrepreneurship in the food sector, full of possibilities.
“The Usinas play a fundamental role in the community. Many services are offered, and the whole family is involved in the services, from health care to leisure and qualification. The social impact is noticeable in the community. People are taking opportunities and redefining themselves. The Culinary courses offered are diverse and extensive. Students can start at the basic level and improve. Initiatives that open opportunities in the job market,” says Narinha Tabosa.
Female Empowerment - Women aged 18 to 24, aiming to start businesses, expand ventures, and achieve financial autonomy, are among the main target audiences of the courses. According to Sectet, the learning in practical and theoretical classes especially strengthens female empowerment in the local economy.
Student Adrielly Lobo, 19, is one of the beneficiaries of Sectet's courses at UsiPaz Jurunas/Condor. Passionate about gastronomy since childhood, she enrolled in courses at the complex to enhance her knowledge and gain more experience. “I am professionalizing myself so that in the future I can expand my own business in the area. The courses are very important for the personal and professional development of students, especially for those who cannot afford private classes, which are expensive,” says Adrielly.
