ow can 10 or 11-year-old students learn about the organizational rules defined by the 5S quality tool and apply them in a school context? Since 2002, Gerdau Laisa, in Uruguay, has promoted the 5S in School project. In 2005, the project involved 300 5th grade students in four schools located close to the Montevideo mill.

Volunteers from Gerdau Laisa met with the school principals, teachers and students. At these meetings, the employees explained how 5S works at the mill and the importance of the program. The aim is to encourage the students to use 5S tools in simple ways during their daily routine. At the end of the meetings, students receive a book and a backpack so as to reinforce the benefits of organization in school life. They also visit Laisa’s industrial plant. In 2006, the initiative will include students from the 6th grade.