A Global Teacher Prize finalist and an international leader in innovative teaching practices, Débora Garofalo believes that education can be a powerful tool for reducing inequality. The RBR alumni is the creator of Robótica com Sucata (Robotics with Scrap), a project that transforms recyclable materials into learning tools, demonstrating that even with limited resources, it's possible to make a difference with creativity and social commitment.
The daughter of a single mother, Débora says that education was always a priority in her family. Even without completing high school, her mother always valued reading and left behind an environment that, despite being simple, was full of stimulation and encouragement to learn.
While still in elementary school, she decided to become a teacher, driven by the desire to give back to public schools everything she had received. She graduated in Literature and Pedagogy, specialized in Portuguese Language, and completed a Master's in Education. "Education is my daily commitment. It changed my life, and I want it to change the lives of others," she says.
How scrap metal became a learning tool
The idea for Robotics with Scrap came when she realized that many of her vulnerable students weren't motivated to learn. Inspired by the students' own stories about the impact of waste on their communities, she decided to turn this problem into a solution: reusing discarded materials to teach school curriculum content and socio-environmental technology concepts.
"I wanted to show students that learning didn't have to be distant and inaccessible. With simple elements like bottle caps, PET bottles, and recycled motors, they could build solutions, explore concepts of physics, mathematics, science, and language, and give new meaning to the world in which they live," he explains.
The project, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, goes far beyond robotics and promotes autonomy, leadership, and critical thinking. Throughout this journey, stories like that of William, one of its students, reinforce the initiative's impact. He arrived in 8th grade unable to read or write, but found motivation to learn by building a helicopter out of scrap metal. "He asked me for help learning to read after school. Today, William is a physics student at USP," recalls Débora, emotionally.
From the global award to public policy formulation
International recognition, including being named one of the top 10 teachers in the world in 2019, expanded her reach. Débora began collaborating on public policies in large networks, such as the creation of the São Paulo Basic Education Innovation Center (CIEBP) and the pedagogical structure of the Technological Educational Gymnasiums in Rio de Janeiro, which now total 200 units.
Débora says she had the opportunity to lead public policies in some of the largest education departments in the country, such as SEDUC-SP, SME-RJ, and SME-SP, expanding the development of educational policies focused on innovation, equity, and teacher training.
Technology as an instrument of social justice
For her, technology is a tool for social justice when used purposefully. "Internet access isn't enough. We need training, innovative methodologies, and policies that democratize opportunities," she argues. And the numbers confirm the urgency. According to TIC Educação 2023, only 391 public school teachers have functioning computer labs, and 601 teachers don't feel prepared to integrate technology into their classes.
Débora continues to mobilize networks, support training, and write about accessible and transformative practices. "Projects like Robotics with Scrap prove that innovation doesn't depend on high investment, but on listening, creativity, and the courage to do things differently," she states.
With 82% of Brazilian students in public schools, as shown by the 2023 School Census (INEP), the educator believes that strengthening schools is an essential step toward ensuring equity. "Transforming schools into spaces connected to real life is urgent. When we dare to innovate, we show students that the future begins in the classroom—with creativity, courage, and purpose."
