Instituto MBRF and Univates establish partnership to support those affected by the floods in Vale do Taquari
Initiative funds extension scholarships for students who will work in schools, primary healthcare units and social services that assist impacted communities
The Instituto MBRF, the social impact organization of MBRF, and the University of Vale do Taquari (Univates) have established a partnership to fund the Locus academic extension project, which provides extension scholarships for 45 extension students and enables the participation of seven professors in the health area. With a weekly dedication of 20 hours, participants will work directly in the communities of Lajeado, Cruzeiro do Sul, Estrela and Arroio do Meio, offering support to schools, Primary Healthcare Units (UBS), Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS) and Specialized Social Assistance Reference Centers (CREAS), which serve families severely affected by the 2024 floods.
The proposal is for students and professors, together with the communities, to develop tailored solutions to strengthen public services and support the social recovery of the affected regions.
The project is part of the third phase of the +Together for the South campaign, launched by Instituto MBRF immediately after the May 2024 floods. In the previous phase, in November 2024, support included the donation of more than 3,200 books, materials and furniture to 10 municipal schools in Vale do Taquari, furniture and appliance kits for more than 700 families, as well as free psychological support and other assistance initiatives.
“Our commitment to Vale do Taquari is ongoing. Since the beginning of the +Juntos Pelo Sul campaign, we have been consistently working to support community reconstruction, always focusing on long-term and socially impactful solutions. We believe in the strength of partnerships, such as this one with Univates, which brings together knowledge, action and close engagement with the territory. It is through this collective effort that we can strengthen public services and effectively contribute to the recovery and development of the affected regions,” says Raquel Ogando, president of Instituto MBRF.
About Instituto MBRF
Instituto MBRF is the entity responsible for coordinating MBRF’s social investments and initiatives. MBRF is one of the world’s largest food companies and owner of the brands Sadia, Sadia Bassi, Perdigão, Perdigão Montana and Qualy. With the purpose of promoting more just and sustainable communities, the institute acts as an accelerator of positive social impact, driving initiatives in the areas of food and education, in addition to managing the MBRF Volunteer Program. Over its 13 years of activity, it has positively impacted the lives of more than 3.6 million people, mobilized 40,000 volunteers and carried out more than 3,400 social actions in 70 Brazilian cities.
About Univates
Univates is a community institution with 56 years of history in higher education, located in Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul. Its purpose is to foster new opportunities through education and a dialogical relationship with the communities it serves. University extension promotes the exchange of academic and popular knowledge, enabling students, professors and the community to learn and grow from this shared experience. More than 480 extension actions have already been carried out in 2025, benefiting over 9,300 people in different social contexts.