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The Gerdau Group supports 119 social projects in Brazil, representing an increase of 19% in comparison to 2003. In all, 6.4 million Brazilians were assisted through these initiatives and associated investments surpassed the R$ 35 million mark, an increase of 66.3% over the previous year. This growth demonstrates that the Gerdau Group increased its presence in the communities near its units, and supports our objective to maintain a balance between economic, social and environmental interests.
The Group seeks to inform through formal education and education for scientific research, total quality, entrepreneurship, and volunteer work. We support projects in the areas of health, culture, sports and community action that contribute to improving the quality of life and demonstrate our commitment to building a better nation.
The Gerdau Group also encourages participation by its employees in social projects. During the year, 651 employees worked as volunteers, an increase of 14.6% over 2003. In addition, the Group supports the Gerdau Professionals Pro-Childhood Fund, which involved the participation of 581 employees in 2004, 88.6% more than in the previous year.
This nationwide project benefited 101 social institutions in 34 cities during the year. These entities assisted 19,000 needy or at-risk children and adults, as well as those addicted to drugs or with special needs. In 2004, the program received R$ 4.6 million in resources. The Group and its employees have contributed R$ 9 million since its inception in 1999.
Contributions are tax deductible in accordance with the federal Funcriança law. The initiative served as a model of social responsibility for many companies, as well as the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (FIERGS), Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná (FIEP), Federation of Commercial and Services Associations of Rio Grande do Sul (FEDERASUL) and the Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul.
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| Iberê Camargo Museum |
The most important Brazilian expressionist, Rio Grande do Sul native Iberê Camargo will be honored with a museum in 2006. His 4,000 works will be displayed in a building that was boldly designed by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza, and which is currently being constructed along the banks of the Guaíba River in the city of Porto Alegre (state of Rio Grande do Sul). The architectonic project won the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Biennial and is currently on exhibit at Palais de La Porte Dorée in Paris. The 8,000-square meter museum will also serve as a center for exhibits and debates on modern and contemporary art.
The first phase of the project, the basement floor of the building, has already been completed. The floor houses an auditorium with a movie theater for 125 people, a studio for Iberê's prints, rooms for courses and workshops and a documentation and research center that has a library and space for consulting the
archive of documents about the artist as well as parking for 100 vehicles. The construction of the remaining four floors of the building, which will hold nine exhibit rooms, is currently underway.
The work of the painter is revered
in internationally renowned exhibits |
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| Encouraging university education |
The University Student Program (state of Bahia) and of the Best Student Program (Barão de Cocais, state of Minas Gerais), offer university scholarships to public high school seniors. Currently, 24 youth selected because of their superior school performance receive assistance through these programs. "Without the scholarship, I probably would not have gone to college," says business administrator Jaqueline de Moraes Gomes, one of the first people assisted through the program in Minas. "I believe that those who dedicate themselves deserve an opportunity. The course opened many doors for me." According to Gomes, the Gerdau Group contributed significantly to her personal and professional growth. Today
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she has many plans for the future. "I plan to continue with my studies. I want to complete a graduate degree in environmental engineering," she says. Gomes currently works in a large civil construction company.
A group of youth from Barão de Cocais
(state of Minas Gerais) participates
in the best student project |
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