The initiative, part of MIYA's corporate social responsibility scheme, has as its main goal to fight against academic dropout in Higher Education, which has become more severe under the pandemic. A total of 100 scholarships will be awarded to students with economic difficulties, with the support of educational institutions in the centre and north of the country. The first granting took place at the University of Porto.
The ceremony was celebrated with the symbolic signing of the collaboration protocol between MIYA - through its subsidiary INDAQUA- and the University of Porto. The company which is one of the leading private water operators in Portugal, ensuring the water supply and wastewater management to more than 600,000 people, will grant up to 100 scholarships in this Higher Education institution, later extending this support to other universities in the north and centre of the country.
The scholarships, which cover a full year´s fees will be granted to students with economic difficulties from the municipalities of Matosinhos, Oliveira de Azeméis, Santa Maria da Feira, Santo Tirso, Trofa and Vila do Conde, where INDAQUA operates.
"The progress of the municipalities where we operate is one of INDAQUA's main concerns and we know that education is essential to achieving this goal. We therefore wanted to support young people from these municipalities who are studying at one of our partner universities, recognising their commitment to their academic path, recognising the role they can play in the future in the development of their municipalities, and also supporting families who, in the context of the pandemic, face increased economic stress", explains Pedro Perdigão, CEO of INDAQUA.
The reinforcement of social support to students must be seen as a priority in the promotion of inclusion and equality in higher education, particularly in the current context of economic and social crisis brought about by the pandemic. This should be a goal of all society, so this collaboration between INDAQUA and the University of Porto is particularly relevant within the social commitment of the Portuguese business framework", says António de Sousa Pereira, Rector of the University of Porto.
This initiative is part of INDAQUA's corporate social responsibility scheme. The company has promoted actions such as the provision of computers to students and also the donation of IT and safety equipment to social solidarity institutions and voluntary fire brigades in the municipalities where it operates, contributing to the well-being of the population.