UPM Forestal Oriental Annual Report 2022

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: TWO PILLARS IN THE STRENGTHENING OF COMMUNITIES

organi s ation and, in agreement with the local municipality, a room was equipped with a laser cutter, a screen-printing machine, a cutting plotter and a sublimation plate, allowing artisans to produce different components and improve their competitiveness, efficiency and costs. Workshops and training for the use of new machines took place throughout the year and by the end those involved highlighted the major contribution the project had in improving their work. “Thanks to the lab we have constant orders every day”, “this is progress for all of San Gregorio” and “this technology allows us to produce on a larger scale and be able to market our products better”, were some of the views from participants.

In 2022 we asked the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to help us evaluate the impact of the educational projects promoted by the UPM Foundation, as well as to arrange an offer for future projects within our communities of influence. This report highlights the UPM Foundation for offering quality training in the interior of Uruguay in a manner that is accessible to people in all levels of education. At the same time, it also notes a big need for teachers in the interior of the country to be able to access this type of educational project and training. All training programmes were very well received by participants and have had a significant impact on their work. In addition, the report also

emphasised the quality of the methodology developed and the high quality training of teachers, as well as the large percentage of graduates. Undoubtedly, this evaluation encourages us to continue working in this area, taking the suggested improvements as a guide. In addition to our educational projects, we promote other community development endeavours. During 2022 we developed a project called “LabHum” in San Gregorio de Polanco, Tacuarembó, with the aim of promoting the entrepreneurial spirit of some 30 local artisans. We provided training in coordination with the UY Robot

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UPM ANNUAL REPORT 2022