Usinas da Paz stand out at environmental education and social entrepreneurship event
The 'Regenera Festival' presents results from workshops held at the UsiPaz in Belém, featuring products made from the reuse of recyclable materials
Representatives from Usinas da Paz participated this Sunday (9) in the first day of the Regenera Festival program. The event, held at the Teatro Estação Gasômetro in Parque da Residência, Belém, aims to promote discussions on creative and regenerative solutions to address the climate crisis, through social inclusion, circular economy, design, culture, and socio-environmental transformation.
During the program, products made in recycling workshops promoted through the “Regenera Project” since last May at the Usinas da Paz in the neighborhoods of Cabanagem, Jurunas/Condor, Bengui, and Terra Firme in the capital of Pará are displayed. The activities provided around 400 residents from the areas served by the citizenship complex, maintained by the Government of Pará, with learning about environmental education and techniques for producing items from recycled raw materials.
Raise Awareness - “We are committed, through a Technical Cooperation Agreement signed with the State Secretary of Citizenship Articulation (Seac), to bring environmental education to the communities of Usinas da Paz, where we implement workshops on environmental education and the transformation of plastic waste into lamps. Our goal is to raise awareness in the communities about each individual's responsibility regarding climate issues, and also to leave a legacy of education. Pará is a state rich in craftsmanship and creativity, and we feel, in each person served, the desire to learn more and apply the knowledge in their lives, potentially even ensuring an extra source of income from the products created,” highlighted Taissa Buescu, creator and curator of the Regenera Project.
The craftswoman Sebastiana Pires, a participant from the Usina da Paz Cabanagem, emphasized the importance of the experience in her life. “I participated in the project at the Usina da Paz Cabanagem and it was very important because I realized that many things that would have gone to waste can be reused. I was already working with crafts, and now I am using various materials that I didn’t know could be recycled. It was something very cool and, for sure, I am already managing to collect more materials and generate extra income,” said the resident, who had her lamp — produced at UsiPaz — displayed during the festival.
Reference Spaces - The State Secretary of Citizenship Articulation, Elieth Braga, emphasized the importance of UsiPaz as spaces that unite education, sustainability, and social transformation. “Usinas da Paz have become great allies in forming an environmental and civic consciousness. Projects like 'Regenera' show that it is possible to unite creativity, responsibility, and inclusion, generating real opportunities for those who need it most. It is gratifying to see residents transforming learning into new income possibilities and actions that contribute to the environment,” emphasized the manager.
Artists Lula Duffrayer and Flávio Cavalcante conducted the recycling workshops at Usinas da Paz, as part of the “Pirilampos do Planeta” initiative, which combines art, social work, and recycling. The internationally recognized project was offered free of charge at the government’s citizenship complexes. During the workshops, residents learned to produce lamps from recycled plastic.
For both, the experience of bringing knowledge to the population was remarkable. “We embraced this opportunity with great power, as we see the need to bring a transformative message to the communities. Being at Usina da Paz was a facilitator because it is a space that brings together people interested in acting differently in society. The Usinas are like a family, where people recognize each other. They are complexes that operate around quality services. We were impressed,” said Lula Duffrayer.
“Usinas da Paz is an incredible project. A space designed to bring well-being to people. Having a hub that brings together so many services and talents was very positive for us,” concluded Flávio Cavalcante.
Service: The Regenera Festival program continues until November 12 (Wednesday) at the Teatro Estação Gasômetro in Belém - Avenida Governador Magalhães Barata, nº 830, Bairro São Brás, with lectures, cultural presentations, and artistic exhibitions. The complete program and more information about the project are available on the official Instagram: @regeneraproject.
