They Believed They Could, So They Did

“They believed they could, so they did”. This inspiring quote encapsulates very well the attitude of the 20 participants of the class of 2022 of Dufry's program in Brazil, which offers a comprehensive work and life experience program to young people from disadvantaged communities near Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport.

At this year’s graduation event, Sarah Branquinho, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, represented Dufry CEO Xavier Rossinyol and gave the valedictory address to the students, who were supported by close family members.

Tribute to the students was also made by Humberto Motta, President of Dufry Brazil; Gustavo Fagundes, Chief Operating Officer for South America; and Katrin Volery, Chief People Officer, who assisted Sarah with the presentation of the graduation diplomas and a copy of the poster with this famous quote, in recognition of the determination and effort made by them and as a reminder for their future.

This social promotion program, that started in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1995, is helping young people from very disadvantaged backgrounds to shape their own future and equip them with skills to increase their employability. A moving address was also given by Paulo Henrique Bezerra, who was a student on the program in 2003, and is now shop supervisor at Dufry´s operation in Galeão Airport, Rio de Janeiro.

The daily classes over a 7 month period cover three modules (see box) and are attended by 18 to 20 year-old students of different genders, sexual orientation, nationality and ethnicity. They all receive free meals, uniforms, school and educational materials and transportation assistance.

Dufry then supports participants in their first steps into professional life. Some join the Dufry team or are employed by other supportive companies, and those who do not immediately find employment are given ongoing support in finding an educational or career path.

This program is also an institution amongst Dufry employees and one of the initiatives Dufry Brazil staff feel very proud of. Our staff in Brazil act as mentors to the program ́s students and every year more than 60 volunteers from both Dufry and its Brazilian partners get involved. Many of them were at this year’s graduation ceremony.

Before the ceremony, Humberto, Gustavo, Katrin and Sarah had an opportunity to talk to the students. Every one of them felt that it had been a life-changing experience. They had discovered self-confidence and self-worth, and many were extremely emotional.  

Over the 25 years that this program has run, it has proven to be a great success. Employability rates usually reach high levels for participating students and since Dufry started its collaboration, over 730 young people have benefited.