Alstom and Mothers for Diversity launch project to keep high-risk kids in school
Alstom and Mothers for Diversity launch project to keep high-risk kids in school
This project tackles school dropout caused by discrimination and exclusion based on sexual orientation, race, disability, gender and neurodiversity (Copyright ALSTOM SA. TOMA – David Richard)
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Initiative offers material with practical guidance for parents and teachers in the Paraíba Valley, São Paulo
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Educational material addresses challenges related to LGBTphobia, racism, ableism, misogyny, and neurodivergence in the school environment
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Partnership is aligned with Alstom's values and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to creating solutions that reflect the diversity of people who operate and use passenger rail transport
23 June 2026 – Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, in partnership with Mães pela Diversidade (Mothers for Diversity), a civil society organization that supports parents and guardians of LGBTQIAN+ people in Brazil, is launching the “Trust in Diversity” project, an initiative that aims to promote inclusive school environments and help reduce school dropout rates among students in vulnerable situations.
As part of its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Alstom is sponsoring the development of a digital guide for educators and families, with practical guidance to promote more inclusive school environments. The initiative also includes in-person activities in schools in the Paraíba Valley, São Paulo, with NGO volunteers interacting with educators and supporting the application of the content.
"Supporting the work of the NGO is a concrete way to expand this knowledge and bring practical guidance to the daily life of schools, contributing to more students remaining in the school environment and having the opportunity to build their future."
The guide offers practical recommendations for dealing with the decline in student engagement caused by contexts of discrimination and exclusion, addressing issues such as LGBTphobia, racism, ableism, misogyny, and neurodivergence. It combines technical knowledge with real-life perspectives and draws on more than a decade of experience, with the support of experts in mental health, law, education, and social work.
Alstom established a relationship with Mães pela Diversidade (Mothers for Diversity) through Alstom True Colours, an employee affinity group focused on promoting diversity and inclusion within the LGBTQIAPN+ community. Members of the NGO participated in the group's events, leading to a broader partnership aimed at contributing to the advancement of inclusion in communities surrounding Alstom's facilities and, over time, expanding to other regions of the country.
The project is the result of the organization's work in the Paraíba Valley, in São Paulo, where it supports around 90 families in the municipalities of Taubaté, Jacareí, Caçapava, São José, and Pindamonhangaba. The project has already been shared with approximately 150 schools in the region, mainly public schools, and is beginning to be implemented in partner schools in this first phase.
“We believe that inclusive education is one of the pillars for building a more just society. We know that, often, educators and families do not have access to the necessary information to identify and deal with situations such as bullying and school dropout, which directly affect the development of young people. Supporting the work of the NGO is a concrete way to expand this knowledge and bring practical guidance to the daily life of schools, contributing to more students remaining in the school environment and having the opportunity to build their future,” said Suely Sola, general director of Alstom in Brazil.
For educator Márcia Oliveira, who coordinates the NGO Mothers for Diversity in the Paraíba Valley, this project was a long-held wish of the mothers, since school is one of the most challenging environments for diverse students. "We know how hostile school can be for students who, for some reason, are different from the majority. But when children, adolescents, and young people feel respected, welcomed, and safe, this significantly increases their chances of continuing and completing their studies. It is precisely this reflection that the booklet seeks to promote, reaffirming the commitment of Mothers for Diversity to education, affection, and respect for differences," she said.
Recent data highlights the urgency of the problem. According to the Continuous National Household Sample Survey (2024), almost 9 million young people did not complete high school in Brazil. Among transgender youth, the school dropout rate reaches 82%. Furthermore, Black and mixed-race students represent 71.6% of those who drop out of school before completing elementary school.
Available for free in digital format, the guide can be accessed on the organization's website.
About Mothers for Diversity
The NGO Mothers for Diversity is a nationally active civil society organization that welcomes mothers, fathers, and guardians of LGBTQIA+ individuals. The organization develops actions to combat violence, prejudice, and discrimination, as well as initiatives aimed at promoting human rights and building a more inclusive, empathetic, and respectful society.
By welcoming the family, the organization reduces family conflicts and combats domestic violence, especially against children and adolescents.
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