Created at the end of 2002 to align, strengthen and professionalize the social assistance efforts carried out by the Group, the Votorantim Institute has the mission of making community life a favorable environment for social development. The focus of activities in its projects is the overall development of young people, aged 15 to 24, prioritizing their professional training and education. In 2004, the Institute’s social assistance investments, added to those of companies in the Group, totaled R$30.9 million.

Using as a database the information contained in the Votorantim Group’s Sustainability Indicators System (SIS), the Institute guides the social planning of the various units, taking into account the demands of the communities, the interests of the companies, and existing opportunities.

To find out more about the Votorantim Institute, access the site http://www.institutovotorantim.org.br/