Planting Smiles - Issue 13 - Educating and Including

Abstract

Plantando Sorrisos, na extension Project started in 2015, aims to promote social inclusion and contribute to improving the quality of life in cities, through urban afforestation and environmental education.Plantando Sorrisos, an extension project started in 2015, aims to promote social inclusion and contribute to improving the quality of life in cities, through urban afforestation and environmental education. In June 2024, the 13th edition was held, involving the local community and several partnerships for the revitalization of the Lauriston de Souza State School, in Frutal/MG. The event paid tribute to the Military Police and was attended by students from the State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG/Frutal), volunteers, and institutions such as Usina Cerradão and Viveiro Campo Florido. During the event, 138 seedlings of native species were planted, with a focus on environmental education and raising awareness about the importance of urban afforestation. In addition to planting, the event promoted cultural and educational activities, such as cultural presentations and competitions, which facilitated interaction among participants and reinforced the role of environmental education. The awareness-raising activities included the integration of different audiences, such as the local community and authorities, and helped to strengthen the relationship between society and environmental preservation. The methodology adopted involved publicizing the event, preparing the site, selecting seedlings and planting them, ensuring the quality and impact of the event. In the end, Plantando Sorrisos 13 (PS 13) established itself as a model of collective action to promote sustainability and social inclusion. This edition of the project strengthened the commitment to a more sustainable future and reiterated the importance of continuing actions like this in other contexts, always aiming to improve the quality of life and integration between the community and the environment.