CMA CGM Foundation and Gol de Letra Foundation, created by Rai, former international football player, launch together a new educational center and logistics training program in Brazil

The Gol de Letra Foundation officially inaugurated today its new Youth Center in Vila Albertina, São Paulo—a project made possible through the support of the CMA CGM Foundation, which contributed to both the acquisition and renovation of the facility.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Raí, co-founder and President of the Gol de Letra Foundation and former professional footballer, who welcomed guests and partners to celebrate this important milestone. Notable attendees included Neusa Marcelino, General Manager of CMA CGM Brazil, Beatriz Pantaleão, Chair of the Gol de Letra Foundation’s Board, Flávio Momesso, General Director at Puratos Brazil, Rodrigo Medeiros, from the renowned restaurant Mocotó, Alexandra Mias, Consul General of France, Stéphane Maquaire, CEO of Carrefour Brazil, and chef Morena Leite of Capim Santo, along with representatives from local businesses.

With the capacity to serve more than 200 students each year, the new Youth Center is dedicated to fostering the personal and professional development of teenagers and young adults aged 16 to 29. The space will offer free, certified courses, workshops, and career guidance to help prepare participants for future opportunities. The CMA CGM Foundation played a key role in bringing this vision to life by funding the acquisition and renovation of the facility.

One of the center’s flagship programs is the newly launched Logistics Training Course, developed in partnership with both the CMA CGM Foundation and CEVA Logistics, a subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group. Over the next three years, the 160-hour course will equip a total of 60 young people with essential logistics skills, including materials handling, warehousing, and distribution.

“The Youth Center is a long-time dream come true for Gol de Letra. It not only marks our first permanent space, but also allows us to expand the work we've been doing in Vila Albertina for over two decades. Thanks to the support of committed partners, we’re now able to offer even more opportunities for youth and adults to grow and thrive,” says Raí Oliveira, executive director and co-founder of the Gol de Letra Foundation.

“CMA CGM is more than just business. Through this new center and professional training program, we will have a profound and lasting impact on the young people of São Paulo. Initiatives like these reflect our ambition to create a future where youth are empowered with the skills and confidence to succeed,” remarks Tanya Saadé Zeenny, President of the CMA CGM Foundation.

After 26 years of impactful work in Vila Albertina, the Gol de Letra Foundation is entering a new chapter in its mission to empower young people. The newly inaugurated Youth Center will not only host the Logistics Training Course, but also a Bakery, Pastry and Confectionery School—a two-year professional training program. Supported by SENAI for both technical training and certification, the course will equip students with the skills needed to build careers in Brazil’s growing culinary and hospitality sectors.

The Youth Center will also be home to the Opportunity Hub, a program designed to support young people as they enter the job market. The Hub offers personalized mentoring sessions with employability specialists, tailored job-readiness coaching, and access to a resume database connecting participants with partner companies. Ongoing post-placement support will also ensure long-term success and career growth.

Since 2005, the CMA CGM Foundation has partnered with associations to implement more than 550 educational initiatives worldwide. These efforts include the construction and renovation of 20 educational facilities, including schools in Côte d'Ivoire and Indonesia, and educational centers in Kenya, Vietnam, and India.

The CMA CGM Group has been operating in Brazil for over 20 years, with currently 8 offices and over 10 000 staff members.  The Group’s growth in Brazil has been driven both organically and through strategic acquisitions, such as the purchase of Mercosul, a historic regional shipping line.

Since joining the CMA CGM Group in 2017, Mercosul Line has become a central element of the Group's operational strategy in Brazil, with coastal shipping and intermodal solutions. Together, CMA CGM and Mercosul operate 10 weekly mainline services across 14 ports in Brazil, connecting the country to major global destinations.

Additionally, CEVA Logistics, CMA CGM’s logistics arm, offers the most differentiated door-to-door solutions combining freight forwarding and contract logistics. With 530,000 sqm of warehouses on 36 sites, CEVA Logistics currently employs 7,500 people in Brazil.

CMA CGM, is also deploying liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessels to Brazil, furthering its commitment to more sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime transport.