From Maringá, in Paraná, Anníbal Rocha is the current Secretary of Economic Acceleration and Tourism for the city, and his work during the RenovaBR Cidades 2019 training program is an example of how a project with local impact can generate lasting transformations. 

For that year's "Renew Brazil Day," the Alumni RenovaBR group had the idea to revitalize the library of the Juscelino Kubitschek State School, named after their grandfather, the pioneer Anníbal Bianchini da Rocha. The initiative stood out nationally and was chosen as the best project in the Southern region among the 1,400 students who graduated in 2019.

The project was born during the final stage of RenovaBR's formation and came to Anníbal as something natural, uniting family memory, education, and commitment to the collective. “The proposal to develop a project inspired me to look within my city and think of something that combined personal meaning and social impact. Revitalizing the library of the school that bears my grandfather's name was the most symbolic way to do that,” he recalls. 

The idea quickly took shape. The library, previously in poor condition, underwent furniture renovations, structural improvements, and the installation of air conditioning units—one of the main demands of the school's administration. The goal was to create a comfortable, welcoming environment conducive to learning. 

To bring the project to life, Anníbal mobilized partners and relied on community engagement. Crowdfunding was one of the main strategies to make the project viable. “We did an online fundraising campaign and raised around R$ 4,950. The rest came from donations of services and materials. This allowed us to reach 100% of the proposed goals,” he explains. The initiative involved students, teachers, alumni, and local businesses—a true network of collaboration for education.

The impact was immediate. The new library became a space for interaction and active learning, encouraging its use by students and teachers. "It was exciting to see the community's involvement and to realize that when the public sector, the private sector, and civil society come together, it is possible to transform the school environment and strengthen the feeling of belonging," says Anníbal.

Today, years later, the RenovaBR experience continues to influence her work in public administration. “The course helped me understand fundamental topics, such as the Budget Guidelines Law and how the public sector works. It was the closest thing I've had to practical training in management and it's what gives me the foundation to lead a department that deals with budgeting, fundraising, and development policies,” she explains.

At the helm of the Secretariat for Economic Acceleration and Tourism in Maringá, Anníbal works with entrepreneurship, commerce, and innovation, and dreams of making the city a hub of experiences and opportunities. “Maringá doesn't have great natural attractions, but it has human capital, creativity, and a support network capable of generating development. We can also create unique experiences and strengthen the local economy. This vision of transformation comes largely from what I learned at RenovaBR,” he explains. 

Anníbal is also part of the RenovaBR Alumni Community, a space for exchange and collaboration among public leaders from all over the country. “This network is fundamental for sharing knowledge, seeking support, and developing new ideas. I hope to count on the dialogue and support of other leaders to continue implementing policies that make a difference here in Maringá,” he concludes.