ABOUT

Background – companies rising to a social challenge
Dream Learn Work is a non-profit organization created by Norwegian companies operating in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We offer young Brazilians from less developed areas a chance for a better future through education, contributing to corporate recruitment needs for qualified personnel.

2016 marked ten years since representatives of six Norwegian companies in Rio de Janeiro accepted the challenge set by Norwegian Minister of Development Erik Solheim: to foster social change. The goal was (and continues to be) to address the lack of skilled labour and, at the same time, to create social impact, changing young lives for the better.

DOF Subsea (formerly NorSkan Offshore), Jotun Coatings, DNV GL (formerly Det Norske Veritas), Kongsberg, DnB and Vard (formerly STX OSV) were the founders of Dream Learn Work. Today, a wide range of companies participate in and support our work, assisting young people in acquiring vocational and life skills and helping them to develop further and achieve their professional aspirations.

In the past decade, the Brazilian government has invested in better access to professional qualifications. However, research shows that the shortage of skilled labour remains a major issue for companies in the country and that there is the need to improve the access and quality of education. Therefore, the challenges that inspired Dream Learn Work’s founding remain.

After ten years, we have developed a solid, sustainable project with a tested and verified model, successful in giving youth the opportunities for a better future for themselves and for their families.