Students from the undergraduate courses at the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), entering through the national quota system or through the special selective processes (PSE) aimed at indigenous and quilombola populations, are receiving 554 pieces of equipment, including refurbished computers and tablets. The action is the result of donations from the Technical and Scientific Cooperation Agreement signed in 2021 between the University, Hydro and Albras and aims to make it possible to monitor the academic activities of students in socioeconomic vulnerability. In total, companies have donated 104 refurbished computers and 1,340 tablets, with 890 tablets in 2021 and 450 this year. The donation of equipment is part of Hydro and Albras' initiatives to support the improvement of education in the region where most of the company's operations in the country are concentrated.

With a public notice published in April 2022, the University's digital support program distributed 104 refurbished computers and 450 tablets free of charge. Delivery to those selected by the University took place from September 14 to 16, at the Belém campus. In addition to Belém, students who are attending their first graduation in the municipalities Abaetetuba, Altamira, Bragança, Breves, Ananindeua, Cametá, Capanema, Castanhal, Salinópolis, Soure and Tucuruí, among others, were selected.

“Hydro believes that encouraging education is the way to economic and social development. Therefore, it supports the university's digital inclusion project, aimed at students. Promoting the digital inclusion of students at the largest teaching institution in Pará reaffirms our commitment to being good neighbors”, says Erik Araújo, senior manager of research and development at Hydro.

Digital support program – Among the students benefiting from the program is Valeska Costa, 23 years old, graduating from the Natural Sciences course. She lives in Barcarena and knows well the activities and social actions of Albras and Hydro Alunorte, located in the municipality. To study, Valeska takes the Barcarena – Belém route every day and counts on the help of family and friends. “This donation will help me a lot, because I can't buy all the books required by the course or make copies, but we can get digital versions at a much lower cost and the tablet will help me with my studies. Many friends are like me, excluded from the digital world, and we need these incentives”, says Valeska.