VIA – Support to Teenager and Child Statute

Created in 2006, VIA strengthens the network for the social protection and defense of the rights of children and teenagers at risk in Brazil, giving priority to the more socially vulnerable regions. Fiscal resources are used, directing part of the Income Tax to Fundo dos Direitos da Criança e do Adolescente (FIA - Fund for the Rights of Children and Teenagers). Contributions are managed by Conselhos Municipais dos Direitos da Criança e do Adolescente (CMDCA – Municipal Council for the Rights of Children and Teenagers) and the resources acquired are invested in quality, education and professional qualification projects for children and teenagers.

With VIA, the Votorantim Institute got involved and started to guide the Group destinations to the FIA, as well as to invest its own resources in the development and accompaniment of projects supported by the CMDCAs.

VIA Achievements

• Since 2006, more than R$ 9 million have been invested in resources for the program (VIA’s own and stimulated investments)
• Contribution to more than 50 projects in 46 municipalities
• More than 24 thousand children and young people have directly and indirectly benefited from it.

Programs and projects – VIA

Through VIA, Votorantim Metais proactively acts throughout the communities close to its business units. In Morro Agudo (MG), the company has established Pintando o Sete project, in association with Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) and Mitra/Pastoral da Criança. In 2011, the Alumínio (SP) and Niquelândia (GO) regions also received a series of projects to benefit the local young population.