State school students represent Pará in the Young Entrepreneurs League Challenge
Competition promoted by Sebrae features the participation, in the national stage, of three students from Dr. Aníbal Duarte State School, competing with the project 'Amazonian Biojewels'
The public education system of Pará gains national prominence with the qualification of three students from the state network for the national stage of the Young Entrepreneurs League Challenge (DLJ), the largest impact entrepreneurship competition aimed at students from Elementary to Higher Education, promoted by Sebrae (Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises).
The representatives from Pará are students Michaella Sophia Mendes and Maria Gabriela Almeida, from the 8th grade of Elementary School, and Ana Clara Rosário Luz, from the 9th grade, all from Dr. Aníbal Duarte State School. They are competing with the project “Amazonian Biojewels,” which was already being developed by Geography and Amazon Studies teacher, André Barbosa.
The project encourages students to create biojewels from seeds of regional fruits, combining creativity, environmental preservation, and income generation. The proposal unites Amazonian identity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, pillars valued in the national competition.
In addition to stimulating innovative thinking, the project promotes autonomy, cultural appreciation, and the development of socio-emotional skills, reinforcing student protagonism inside and outside the classroom.
Discoveries - Student Maria Gabriela reported how the experience transformed her view of herself and the region. “Participating in the Amazonian Biojewels Project was essential in my life. Besides learning techniques and getting to know more about the seeds and the forest, I discovered skills I didn’t know I had. The Young Entrepreneurs Challenge taught me to have more confidence, to speak in public, and to assert myself as a young entrepreneur,” said the student.
Professor André Barbosa, the team advisor, highlighted the impact of the achievement. “Participating in the national phase of the Young Entrepreneurs Challenge, and representing Pará, is an immense honor. Among more than 10,000 applicants and over 600 projects, being among the 27 best in Brazil shows the strength of our work and the potential of our youth. Coordinating a project that has achieved national recognition is exciting and reaffirms that when we believe and fight together, Pará shines on the Brazilian stage,” stated André Barbosa.
The team from Pará advanced after the state stage, held last month, and now represents Pará in the national stage, which will take place from November 29 to December 4.
The winners of the final will receive the following prizes:
1st place (per category): trip to Mexico, all expenses paid, for an immersion of up to 10 days in innovation spaces, cultural activities, and business opportunities.
2nd place: laptops for students and advising teachers.
3rd place: smartphones for students and advising teachers.
Honorary Mention: smartphones and certificates for students and advisors.
