Family School
Education: one of the company’s pillars and a tool for social transformation
With more than a century’s experience in the production of glass packaging, and present in Brazil since 1952, the WHEATON Group is a national leader and one of the largest facilities in the world specializing in the supply of glass packaging for the Perfumery and Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical and Food industries.
Located in São Bernardo do Campo, it employs around 3,500 people, with 6,000 people participating in its ecosystem, 850 of whom are employees with school-age children.
Currently, the town lacks 3,000 school places to cater for the local population.
WITH A STRONG SOCIAL COMMITMENT, WHEATON HAS DECIDED TO GO BEYOND BUSINESS AND CONTRIBUTE TO EDUCATION AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION.
A Transformative Reach
In 2020, the Wheaton Family School was born, an initiative that responds to the call to improve the social foundations of Brazil and São Bernardo do Campo. Inspired by Waldorf Pedagogy, the school offers education with 100% philanthropic investment to welcome employees' children. Based on anthroposophy, Waldorf Pedagogy understands the human being as a whole, as a harmonious physical-animal-spiritual unit.
In addition to having specialized pedagogues and teachers, the Escola da Família also has former employees of the Wheaton factory, who were trained in Waldorf pedagogy to work in their new roles, and today are teachers and assistants who collaborate in this project. The Family School not only serves children and families, but also understands that it is training these citizens, including adults, for the world.
The project has a school within a school, there is a conceptual and practical method, and a whole theoretical foundation to continue improving the teachers who work at the Escola da Família: 18 employees from the Wheaton factory have undergone anthroposophical training.
Working with Families: An Active Community
The Wheaton Family School is not just dedicated to children, but involves the whole family in its educational project. Education is seen by the project as a means of transcending the walls of the school and influencing all the environments where the child and their family live and are present. The school encourages the exchange of experiences between families, forming a support network between them, creating a true community.
We have two teachers dedicated to providing intensive and intimate care to families, one teacher providing daily individualized care and the other dedicated to attending parent groups three times a week.
With a focus on early childhood, the school serves 60 children up to the age of six and their families, and the project aims to serve 150 children by 2027. Parents are encouraged to get involved and collaborate with the school, which strengthens ties and promotes a culture of active participation. It currently operates in a large house, with spaces and furniture designed and built especially for this purpose.
Inspiration for the Future: A Role Model
More than an educational project; an inspiration for other companies to invest in social development.
Wheaton wants to delight entrepreneurs and show that it is possible to make a significant contribution to the well-being of the community. This private investment in quality social education is an example to be followed, demonstrating that companies can be agents of change in society.
Main features:
- Dedicated to early childhood education;
- It serves 60 children up to the age of six and their families. The project aims to serve 150 children by 2027;
- Education with 100% philanthropic investment inspired by Waldorf pedagogy;
- 100% organic food;
- A warm and welcoming environment;
- Trained and engaged staff;
- Teachers trained from the Wheaton factory workforce;
- Focus on parenting support and ongoing teacher training.
