More than 100 volunteers, including employees, their families and members of the school community, came together for the program's first edition in the Neuquén Basin to renovate Provincial Technical Education School (EPET) No. 3.

The EPET Technical School No. 3 in Neuquén was buzzing with activity. People gathered in teams, unloading and collecting tools and laying out materials, while volunteers sized up the courtyard they were about to transform. Despite the winter chill, more than 100 people chose to spend part of their weekend improving a space that is central to everyday life at the school.

The first edition of Volunteers in Action in the Neuquén Basin had begun. The Tecpetrol initiative brought together employees and their families, students, Roberto Rocca Scholarship recipients, teachers and alumni to renovate the school's central courtyard.

The event marked the culmination of several months of planning. Throughout the day, volunteers painted walls, landscaped gardens, installed furniture, cleaned and organized the space, assembled a bicycle rack, and even completed an automatic irrigation system in record time. Each team had its own task, but they all shared the same purpose: to create a better environment for the people who use the school every day.

Andrea Fernández, CORE Manager, was clearly inspired by the response. For her, “the initiative is about creating opportunities for people to connect, bringing together the school community, employees and their families to work on projects that deliver a lasting, tangible benefit,” she said. José Tanaka, Regional Senior HR Business Partner, highlighted the impact on students: “We're doing our part to help create a school environment where children feel more comfortable and enjoy spending their time.”

The EPET technical school No. 3 was an obvious choice. Over the years, Tecpetrol has worked closely with the school through initiatives such as the Roberto Rocca Technical Gene Program, GenEra Neuquén and the first edition of TecnoAventura, all aimed at strengthening technical education. That long-standing relationship is what made the school the ideal venue for the program's first volunteering initiative in the region.

Amid the paintbrushes, rakes and steady stream of activity, there was also time for conversation and sharing. For some employees, it was their first volunteering experience. For others, it was an opportunity to give back to a community they feel connected to. “When they asked if I could help coordinate safety during the event, I didn't hesitate,” said Matías Campillo, Health & Safety Lead Supervisor and leader of Tecpetrol's Emergency Response Brigade. “We want this to be a celebration where everyone can enjoy the day safely.”

The turnout exceeded all expectations, reflecting the enthusiasm the initiative generated. “We were amazed by the response,” said Carlos Mamani, Operations & Engineering Senior Director. “Setting aside time to contribute to a project like this makes us better people and, ultimately, a stronger company.”

One of the day's most memorable scenes was seeing former students working side by side with the current ones. Some hadn’t set foot in the school for years. This time, they weren't returning for classes or exams, but to help improve the place where their own journey began.

“I was really happy to come back because I studied here,” said Erick Araya. “When I heard about the initiative, I called a few friends and we came to help renovate the school and make it a better place for the students who'll come after us.”

By the end of the day, the courtyard had been transformed. New green spaces, an automatic irrigation system, refurbished facilities and new furniture all stood as visible reminders of what had been achieved. But perhaps the day's greatest success was less tangible: when people come together around technical education, they build much more than improved spaces: they strengthen the community that makes them possible.