PPG announced that it has completed a colorful and transformative makeover at Carolina Ometto Pavan School in Américo Brasiliense City, Brazil, through its New Paint for New start initiative, part of the company’s COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® program.
The project brought together 90 PPG volunteers, who painted the school’s classrooms, playgrounds, corridors, facade, and cafeteria using 245 gallons (930 liters) of RENNER™ Paints by PPG in a vibrant color palette including Vining Ivy, PPG's 2023 Color of the Year. The internal playground wall received a mural with an environmental theme created by local artist Beto Ferreira.
“The school’s paintwork hadn't been refreshed in nearly a decade, and the classrooms were peeling and discolored,” said Alexandre Marchiorato, Principal, Carolina Ometto Pavan School. “The New Paint for a New Start project transformed the environments, which became lighter, more relaxed, and welcoming, contributing to students' emotional and intellectual development.”
Thales Manzoni, PPG Production Leader, Latin América South, Industrial Coatings, and father of Clara, a student at the school, said participating in the Colorful Communities project was particularly meaningful. “Having the chance to witness how PPG's colors transformed the walls of Clara's classroom, and painting the entire location with my colleagues from the company was unforgettable,” Manzoni said.
During the months of June, July, and August, PPG is dedicating its efforts to revitalize more than 25 schools worldwide through the New Paint for a New Start campaign, now in its second year. For the campaign, PPG's global color experts developed an exclusive palette for school revitalization, combining educational goals and considering factors such as students' age and the influence of local cultures.
“PPG employees from every region are coming together once again to protect and beautify schools and learning spaces and inspire bright starts for students,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and Corporate Global Social Responsibility. “We are aiming to help young students start each day with a positive outlook and create joyful spaces where they feel supported and engaged.”
Sustainability was also a key focus of the project. All the paints used were water-based, and the waste generated from the paint materials' washing was collected for treatment in line with PPG’s best environmental practices.
The Colorful Communities program, PPG’s signature initiative for supporting communities, aims to protect and beautify the neighborhoods where PPG operates around the world. Through the Colorful Communities program, PPG’s committed volunteers contribute their time and PPG paint products to help transform community assets – from painting classrooms to bringing color to a maternity ward and redesigning a playground. Since 2015, PPG has completed more than 470 Colorful Communities projects, impacting more than 8.2 million people in 50 countries.
PPG’s global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested $16.2 million in 2022, supporting hundreds of organizations across more than 35 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow today’s skilled workforce and develop tomorrow’s innovators in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more at communities.ppg.com.