On March 14, Pan American - The International School of Porto Alegre celebrated the completion of a project months in the making: the full revitalization of Praça Dr. João Petersen Júnior, a public square just a few meters away from Obino Campus.

The transformation brought together three local schools: Pan American School, Escola Criança Vida, and EEEF Imperatriz Leopoldina, alongside architecture and urbanism company DU99. With the support of approximately 60 volunteers, the renovated square was delivered to the community in a single day of collective action.

The project traces back to June 2025, when PAS organized its first Walkathon at the square. Over 300 students, families, and local partners participated, raising more than R$80,000 for the revitalization effort. The Walkathon was later recognized with second place in the SINEPE/RS Innovation Award 2025.

"This day is the culmination of a long process led by the school," said Mr. Daniel Simões, PAS Director of Teaching and Learning. "It reflects one of our core principles: preparing students for real-life situations in society", he shares.

The renovation included the restoration and installation of new playground equipment, floor painting, new benches, and improved lighting. According to Aline Fuhrmeister, architect and founder of DU99, a key goal was to make the square safer for surrounding residents.

The project also strengthened the community's sense of belonging. A community garden was created, and students designed signs to identify the square's trees. More than 150 children participated in painting tiles to decorate the wall of EEEF Imperatriz Leopoldina, which also received a mural by artist Marilia Drago.

The revitalization of Praça Dr. João Petersen Júnior stands as proof of what becomes possible when education, volunteerism, urbanism, and social responsibility come together. More than a renovation, the project embodies the school's 2025–2026 theme, "Learning Through Empathy, Fostering Belonging," and reaffirms Pan American School's commitment to being a bridge between communities and a catalyst for meaningful change.