Together with our contract supplier for Carnauba Wax, Pontes, as well as a partner company from the US, Roeper has initiated a sustainability project in the Northeast of Brazil, in Santa Rita, Maranhão.
This project aims to further a positive, sustainable change in the village, which is situated in one of the poorest areas of Brazil – for the good of the people of Santa Rita. It focusses on several aspects: quality education for the children of Santa Rita, environmental education and professional training for a sustainable Carnauba Wax supply chain, professional training for youth and adults. The community’s women were invited into a professional handicraft program on weaving baskets from dried Carnaubapalm leaves. A similar training program was initiated on beekeeping. These activities allow participants to craft products to sell on local markets, which is a leverage for economical development. The project also established a football school, which does not only offer leisure activities for the children of Santa Rita, but also led to greater solidarity among the whole population of the community. The various aspects of the project reflect the UN sustainability goals: quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, climate aspects and decent work.
We recently visited Santa Rita and was stunned to see how much changed to the better within the community. It was clear to see that the project achieved so much for the good of the Santa Rita people. We are proud to be part of the Santa Rita project and excited to see the hope for a better life that is now tangible in Santa Rita.