Santa Rita is a rural community in Maranhão, Brazil, where fewer than 300 people live with a strong sense of pride, tradition, and togetherness. Life here is rooted in resilience, and in recent years, new opportunities have helped the community shine even brighter.
In 2021 Strahl & Pitsch, Pontes para o Crescimento Institute and C.E. Roeper embarked on partnership to support further support and develop the Santa Rita community focusing on the following:
- Quality education for the children of the community via school renovations and supplies
- Professional training and personal protective equipment for carnauba extractive workers
- Environmental education and reforestation of degraded areas
- Safe and accessible drinking water for the community
- Football school for children and teenagers to strengthen community pride
Over a three-year period, Strahl & Pitsch, Pontes para o Crescimento Institute and C.E. Roeper supported these main initiatives that significantly improved the economic, cultural, mental and physical health development of the community.
In 2021, the community celebrated the reopening of its renovated school with children eager to learn, play, and dream. For the students, the return to school has been more than education - it has been a symbol of possibility and hope.
Furthermore, professional vocational training was provided to community members over a three-year period to empower local workers in the carnauba supply chain. Training and support included healthy/safety, PPE, worker rights, certifications and education on protection of the Caatinga’s biodiversity. The women of Santa Rita have also built something remarkable. Through Palha Viva (Living Straw), they transform local straw into beautiful handmade crafts. Their work provides income, independence, and a renewed sense of pride in their artistry and traditions. Young adults, too, are embracing new skills. With training in beekeeping, they now produce honey for local markets—building futures connected to their land, their families, and their heritage.
These initiatives promote fair employment practices, empowers local producers with knowledge, and encourages their active participation in decision-making processes. This not only boosts their income and quality of life but also promotes transparency within the supply chain. Additionally, it raises awareness among workers about the importance of preserving the Caatinga biome
In 2021, we took a significant step toward improving the community's access to clean water by introducing a new water system located near the village school. To ensure every household was connected, the community came together to install water lines throughout the village. By the start of 2022, we expanded the system with the addition of a cistern, providing a stable water supply to homes located on the outskirts. Each family in the community received a water filter, guaranteeing that everyone has access to safe and clean drinking water.
Opportunities for growth continue to flourish. In 2022, the Santa Rita Football School opened, welcoming children and teenagers twice a week to enjoy the game, learn teamwork, and celebrate the joy of community. The matches have quickly become lively gatherings where families and neighbors come together in pride and cheer.
At the heart of all this is a belief: sustainability is as much about people as it is about the planet. Strahl & Pitsch, Pontes para o Crescimento Institute and C.E. Roeper, is proud to stand alongside Santa Rita, helping to create opportunities that will last for generations.
Today, Santa Rita is a community alive with energy, pride, and hope. Its story reminds us that when people and partners come together with care and vision, the future can be brighter than ever imagined.
