Students in Bento Gonçalves in Rio Grande do Sul are developing a love for reading thanks to Smurfit Westrock’s investment in the Bi-Bi: Paths to Literacy project. The project renovates libraries, adds to the book collection and provides continuing literacy education for both students and teachers.  

The library upgrades at the two public elementary schools, Emef General Rondon and Emef Princesa Isabel, support the literacy and education of around 600 students. As well as the physical renovations, the libraries received some new computers and around 200 new literary works by carefully selected authors from various cultures and perspectives. This includes contemporary works and literature by Black and Indigenous writers.  

As a part of the project, students from both schools also participate in workshops led by art educators who use stories, games, music, theater and other forms of art to help children develop a love of books. Pedagogical coordinator for the program, Isabela Vilela, developed this learning style for the project to help children better form a positive relationship with books. 

“The bond is the starting point,” said Vilela. “When a child develops a positive relationship with books, they naturally develop the desire to read, imagine, interpret, and construct meaning. Literacy happens far more consistently when there’s this enchantment with literature.” 

The art educators provide ongoing support in the schools for a period of six months. Training for teachers focuses on literary mediation and the integration of “story time,” which helps to ensure reading remains a part of classroom routines once the project activities are complete. Thanks to the program, educators from the scholar community reported an increase in student engagement, socialization and interest in reading, demonstrating the Bi-Bi project is achieving its goals. 

The project is made possible by Brazil’s Culture Incentive Law and managed by the Amora Produções Culturais organization. As a part of its high impact and long-term social responsibility strategy in Brazil, Smurfit Westrock selected the initiative to benefit local schools and strengthen our relationship with the community, while improving access to quality education for local children, many of whom have parents employed by Smurfit Westrock.