“Perspectiva”: Promoting exchange, expanding competencies

Almost 30 percent of all young people between the ages of 15 and 24 living in Brazil have no job. They are unemployed and thus, unfortunately, without prospects in many cases. The Peter and Luise-Hager Foundation launched the "Perspectiva" project in 2016 to encourage them and to show them that it is worth fighting against this and to educate themselves further.

After the project had enjoyed great popularity among young Spaniards over the past three years, this year the foundation decided to make it possible for Brazilian graduates to exchange ideas with or rather in European companies. In this specific case, the exchange relates to the possibility of completing an internship in France. The Hager Group was one of four companies that created the framework conditions for this.

From Sao Paolo to Obernai

Eight students from the University of Sao Paulo travelled to Alsace in January 2019 for a six-month stay. In addition to an internship at our Hager Group, the young men and women were also able to look behind the scenes at the major French bank BNP Paribas, the energy provider Électricité de Strasbourg, and the restaurant L'Alsacienne de Restauration. In addition to working, they were also able to build up their knowledge of French in a language course and apply it in various local activities. One of the great side effects that the young adults experienced during their time in Alsace was that they got to know the French culture. Both in the working day, and outside of the workplace in their spare time.

Focus on personal development

Julia Zaniolo worked as an intern in the marketing department of the French market in the Hager Group. She describes this internship as a dream come true. "I learned something new every day and developed personally and professionally," she summed up.

On the organisational side, this year the project was led by Denis Munch, Senior Manager for Sustainable Development at the Hager Group, and a member of the Peter and Luise Hager Foundation. He developed the 2019 program in collaboration with ABC NGOrganization and the University of Sao Paulo. On site, numerous colleagues within the Hager Group helped to ensure that everything went smoothly. Thank you for your efforts!