Committed to contributing to the preservation of Brazil's historic buildings, Instituto Neoenergia begins the program with a heritage education activity for more than 300 students and teachers from municipal schools in Mossoró (RN).

More than 300 students and teachers from the municipal public school system in Mossoró, a city in Rio Grande do Norte about 280 kilometers from the capital Natal, are learning a little more about the importance of preserving the historical and cultural heritage of one of the greatest local symbols: the Lauro da Escóssia Historical Museum. The initiative is part of the Cultural Lighting Program, promoted by the Neoenergia Institute, which will inaugurate an efficient lighting project in November this year to further enhance the monument's façade.

In this preliminary phase, the Neoenergia Institute is providing a set of educational activities focused on the appreciation of cultural heritage, with the support of educators and specialists, focusing mainly on the history of the city of Rio de Janeiro and its cultural landmarks. The aim is to preserve collective memory, strengthening residents' connection with the local identity through curiosities about the museum's collection and local historical personalities. Students take part in activities that encourage understanding, belonging and caring for historical and cultural heritage.

"Broadening the knowledge of children and young people about the importance of preserving and valuing Brazil's cultural heritage is in line with our commitment to generating more opportunities for the communities where we are present.This is the energy that the program brings to the localities to boost social inclusion by strengthening people's connection with the identity of their regions," says Renata Chagas, CEO of the Neoenergia Institute. The program is run in partnership with Mossoró City Hall and the Municipal Departments of Culture and Education.

Created in 2015 by the Neoenergia Institute, the Cultural Lighting Program is now in its eighth edition. The aim is to contribute to the conservation and preservation of the country's emblematic buildings, enhancing their historical legacy. By installing new lighting in historic Brazilian buildings, the project also helps to stimulate socio-economic development and sustainable tourism, especially in the regions where Neoenergia is present. In Rio Grande do Norte, the company serves around 1.6 million customers in the state's 167 municipalities through its distributor Neoenergia Cosern.

"Heritage education gains strength precisely because it involves different perspectives and narratives, ensuring that the initiative has an identity with Mossoró.It's also a way of making the community aware, especially the younger generations, of the importance of valuing existing memory and building the knowledge that will shape the future of the municipality," explains Zeca Barros, executive manager of Brasilis Produções Culturais, the program's partner institution.

The Lauro da Escóssia Historical Museum has a valuable collection related to prehistory, paleontology and the history of Mossoró. Opened in 1948, it is a reference in preserving the history of Rio Grande do Norte, bringing together objects, documents and photographs that tell the story of the city. With the support of the Neoenergia Institute, the revitalization of the space and the educational work contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those of quality education and sustainable cities and communities.

Illuminating Brazil's cultural heritage

Over these 10 years, the Cultural Illumination Programme has promoted the revitalization of seven monuments: Cruz de Cabrália, in Santa Cruz de Cabrália (BA); Forte das Cinco Pontas, in Recife (PE); Fortaleza da Barra Grande, in Guarujá (SP); Memorial Câmara Cascudo, in Natal (RN); Theatro Cinema Guarany, in Triunfo (PE); Igreja Senhora Santana, in Rio de Contas (BA); and Convento Nossa Senhora da Conceição, in Itanhaém (SP).

The 2025 edition has the technical partnership of Brasilis Produções Culturais and Neoluz.