Schooling and environmental education in the extreme west zone of Rio de Janeiro

A good understanding of a population's characteristics is important to adapt efficient initiatives and public policies capable of favoring the orderly intellectual and cultural growth. Zona Oeste (the West Zone) is the biggest zone in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Its population is about 2 million. Due to its dimensions, internal distortions can be found. This work sought to understand the relationship between ages, schooling and environmental awareness of the extreme West Zone. The studies were conducted by responses to a questionnaire available on the web. The results show that educational policies must prioritize the specific needs of each neighborhood. Residents complete their academic training late. Most young people between the ages of 18 and 24 do not study or work, revealing the abandonment the region endures, nicknamed the Old West of Rio. The neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Guaratiba need investments in the High School segment, and Campo Grande in the improvement of undergraduate-level public institutions. Although residents are aware of recycling and waste sorting, they carry out few environmental preservation actions.