The rights of children and adolescents are what ensure a fairer society that promotes the growth of all people without causing them harm. In practice, we are still on the path to achieving this ideal, but many things have changed over the years to guarantee a better quality of life for the young—such as the creation of the Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA) in 1990, exactly 35 years ago.

The ECA is a very important tool for ensuring rights, guaranteeing that children and adolescents have access to healthcare, education, leisure, and protection from violence, among other provisions. Over the years, the statute has evolved to meet the needs of the times, which is why society must remain vigilant to ensure that these rights are respected and protected.

Among the ECA’s provisions is the collective responsibility to guarantee children’s rights. It begins within the family, with the duty to provide care, affection, protection, and development. It extends to schools and the State, which must ensure access to quality education and healthcare, and also involves society as a whole, which bears the responsibility of paying attention to and respecting children and adolescents.

The ECA is also essential in preparing future adults to be conscious citizens who understand their role in society, as emphasized by Armando Hussid, a legal advisor and president of the Municipal Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents (CMDCA/SP): “Protection and care for our children and adolescents are essential for them to be able to fully participate in society in the future.”

What Has Changed with the ECA?

The enactment of the Statute was a major step forward in helping society view children and adolescents with a greater focus on protecting their integrity. “Before the ECA, the Code of Minors, which was in effect during the military dictatorship, saw ‘minors’ as being in an ‘irregular situation’ and focused on punishment, not protection,” explains Armando.

Since then, there have been advances such as the strengthening of the Guardianship Council, expanded access to education and early childhood services, income transfer programs, and increased engagement from civil society in defense of childhood. Yet, there is still progress to be made to ensure the statute is fully implemented.

That’s why the ECA is constantly evolving and adapting so that children’s and adolescents’ rights align with changes in society. To illustrate, here are some of the most recent and important updates for us as citizens:

Mandatory Reporting of Disappearances: In 2024, a new amendment addressed caregivers’ responsibility for children’s safety. It introduced penalties for parents or legal guardians who willfully fail to report the disappearance of a child or adolescent to authorities.

Safety in Educational Spaces: Another recent amendment concerns schools and similar institutions working with children and adolescents. These establishments must now maintain up-to-date registration files and criminal background checks for all staff members.

Support for Victims of Violence: Also in the same year, a new provision was added to the policy guidelines section, ensuring medical, psychosocial, and preventive services for victims of neglect, mistreatment, exploitation, abuse, cruelty, and oppression, as well as for children and adolescents whose parents or guardians are victims of serious violence or are incarcerated.

These changes help us act as agents of well-being for children and adolescents, with the ECA serving as the starting point and guiding framework for their protection.

A Collective Responsibility

Civil society organizations like Instituto C play a vital role in promoting the rights outlined in the ECA. Through our services and activities in the fields of welfare, education, psychosocial support, and nutrition, we take a proactive and preventive approach to guaranteeing rights, with the goal of enabling socially vulnerable children and adolescents to grow up without having their rights violated.

According to Lucas Pisciotta, a social worker at Instituto C, “The third sector is a crucial bridge between public policy and the population, especially in areas where access to rights has historically been denied or weakened. We work in a complementary role to the State, often being the first point of listening, support, and relationship-building.”

With our multidisciplinary team, we recognize the family as the foundation of healthy development, so we work with all family members to help them understand the importance of caring for childhood. This network-based collaboration is key to enabling society to monitor areas where public authorities may not be as actively present.

CMDCA President Armando Hussid also stresses that we, as a society, must not view rights only in terms of protection from violations, but also as a guarantee of the conditions necessary for children and adolescents to fully develop and eventually exercise their own rights.

The ECA in the Daily Practice of Social Assistance

The ECA was created to recognize children and adolescents as full rights-holders and to establish comprehensive protection as a fundamental principle. “At Instituto C, we hold reading and discussion sessions on the ECA with the young people themselves, helping them learn about their rights and responsibilities, expanding critical thinking and citizenship from an early age. It’s a tool for empowerment and social transformation,” explains Lucas.

“The ECA reinforces our role as network connectors, as trained listeners, and as defenders of human dignity.”

The statute guides every stage of our work—from the initial intake to coordination with service networks. Every case, home visit, conversation with schools or social service centers is rooted in this commitment. It is not just a legal document—it is a powerful tool we use in our everyday practice.

Climate change has impacted everyone, but have you ever stopped to think about how it’s affecting children?

The environment has been going through challenging times, raising serious concerns. Yet little is said about how deeply children are affected by all this. As the years go by, they are increasingly having to deal with extreme events that directly impact their lives. According to a 2021 report by Save the Children, children born at the beginning of this decade will face 6.8 times more heatwaves than those born in 1960. The consequences of this are already visible—for example, earlier this year, the heat was so intense that it forced schools to close and made learning more difficult for students.

This is just one of many issues influenced by climate change. We can list several recent events that have affected thousands of children in vulnerable situations—such as the floods in Rio Grande do Sul in 2024.

Access to nature is also diminishing year by year. With the growth of urbanization and large cities, green spaces are becoming increasingly scarce. As noted by Maria Isabel, a specialist in childhood and nature at Instituto Alana: “homes have gotten smaller, access to public spaces has decreased, it has become less safe, and less common, and children have been losing opportunities to play outdoors.”

Areas of Life Most Affected
The document “Early Childhood at the Center of the Climate Crisis Response”, developed by the Núcleo Ciência Pela Infância, highlights some of the areas most affected in children’s lives due to the climate crisis. The organization outlines seven key impacts that children may face:

• Agricultural losses and food insecurity

• Increase in infectious and transmissible diseases

• Loss of housing and forced displacement

• Exposure to contaminants

• Premature death

• Reduced access to quality education and healthcare

• Toxic stress and mental health challenges

In addition, the study also shows that Black and Indigenous children, as well as those living in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, are the most affected by the climate crisis and food insecurity. This further illustrates how structural inequalities disproportionately impact people in vulnerable situations whenever there is a global crisis.

Given the constant flow of environmental news, many children may also feel concerned about the future, leading to anxiety. As Maria Isabel explains: “Many children already report anxiety, worry, and a deep sense of anguish — both when they are experiencing extreme events and when they are exposed to the overwhelming news.”

Environmental Education

Environmental education is a right guaranteed by law to all citizens. Even though discussions about climate change have gained greater prominence in recent years, as seen in the news, the National Environmental Education Policy was established in 1999, aiming to promote an integrated understanding of the environment in its multiple and complex relationships—including ecological, psychological, legal, political, social, economic, scientific, cultural, and ethical aspects.

Environmental education also plays a key role in the process of preserving the environment, especially in the early years of school, when children are learning how to engage with the world around them. According to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, moments of contact with nature—whether through activities or daily interactions—are essential for children’s development.

“These experiences in childhood are fundamental to nurturing the feeling that we are part of this greater chain of life. And we need to understand that the impacts we have on nature are directly related to our own survival,” explains the specialist from Instituto Alana.

That’s why it is crucial for organizations and public authorities to remain attentive and actively strengthen initiatives for environmental protection and education.

Climate Justice and the Role of Instituto C

For Instituto C, talking about the environment is also a way of pursuing social justice and greater equality for families. During our group sessions, this is a topic we seek to raise and discuss collectively, to listen and understand how climate change directly affects their lives.

Renata Chiapetta, a social worker and one of the institute’s technical staff, explains that children can also be agents of change—if we provide them and their families with the knowledge, tools, and support they need. She also emphasizes the importance of ensuring climate justice for people living in socially vulnerable conditions.

“Social justice and climate justice are interconnected. When a mother has to choose between buying water or food for her children, between ‘saving’ furniture or making sure all her kids are safely removed from a flooded area, or between risking sending her children to a school with a damaged roof or losing a government cash benefit—that’s not just her problem, it’s our problem.”

That’s why one of our key responsibilities is to advocate for the rights of families already suffering the consequences of climate change. As Renata points out, it’s increasingly clear that children are the most affected. “Droughts, floods, extreme heat, and food insecurity are not ‘future issues’—they are current realities for many of the families we support,” she notes.

Therefore, public policies that aim to prevent or respond to these impacts are urgently needed.

Public Authorities as Agents of Change

Through the National Environmental Education Policy, several public policies were established to ensure that all Brazilians have access to environmental education—so that, together, we can build social values, knowledge, skills, attitudes, and competencies aimed at preserving the environment, which is essential for a healthy quality of life and sustainability.

Today, Bill 2225/2024 proposes the creation of a Legal Framework for Children and Nature, establishing policies and tools to ensure that all children and adolescents can connect with nature through exploration and experience. This is one of several initiatives supported by child advocacy organizations.

However, Brazil still has a long way to go. Maria Isabel notes that public policies need to go beyond prevention and also serve as a foundation for adapting to climate change. For her, schools have a vital role in both bridging the gap between children and nature and in spreading good practices related to climate adaptation.

“We need to adapt cities to these changes, because climate change is not going away anytime soon. The heat will keep intensifying, as will pollution and rainfall. We must focus on adaptation—and schools can be at the center of this effort,” she emphasizes.

April is marked by Autism Awareness, a movement that highlights the importance of discussing the rights of people with autism, the pursuit of autonomy, and a more inclusive society. Having a dedicated month for this awareness also serves as a way to give a voice to families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to help guide their journey after diagnosis.

ASD affects neurological development and can impact the organization of thoughts, feelings, and emotions, which directly influences the daily life of those with this neurodivergence. According to the Virtual Library of the Ministry of Health, the disorder can be classified into three types: classic autism, high-functioning autism (Asperger’s syndrome), and pervasive developmental disorder—not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), with each type presenting different characteristics regarding social interaction, speech, and neurological development.

In all three types, treatment is more accessible when diagnosed during childhood, enabling the pursuit of rights to begin. Katia Moretti, coordinator of Instituto C’s Central Branch, emphasizes the importance of dedicating a month to this topic:

“Awareness about autism is fundamental to give visibility to the cause and promote a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by these children and their families.”

Rights of People with Autism

Some rights of people with autism may still be unknown; therefore, we highlight those that help families gain more autonomy and provide children with a dignified childhood, marked by inclusion and respect. Basic rights such as access to school and transportation are important, but there are many others that encompass the daily life of autistic individuals, detailed in the Manual of Rights of People with Autism, developed by the School of Parliament to guide families. Here are some key points:

• Education: specialized assistant and individualized teaching
  Depending on the needs of each student and with medical proof, it is possible to have a specialized assistant in the classroom, according to Law 12.764/2012. Another legal provision is individualized education tailored to each person’s specificities, so the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) is a right for all people with autism.

• Health: comprehensive care and medication
  People with autism have the right to comprehensive medical care, including diagnosis, treatment, and proper follow-up with priority, according to the Statute of People with Disabilities (Law 13.146/2015). The right to medication provided by the public health system (SUS) also applies to autistic individuals who need specific medicines.

• Mobility: free access and special parking spots
  For transportation, people with autism have rights that make daily mobility easier. In São Paulo, free access to buses, trains, and subways is guaranteed for all people with disabilities through the special Bilhete Único card, which can be requested on the SPTrans website. Additionally, special parking spaces can be used with the DeFis parking card, which confirms the person’s disability when in the vehicle.

• Leisure: half-price tickets and adapted cinema sessions
  Leisure time is essential for the development of children with autism, so half-price tickets apply regardless of income, in cultural and sports venues. In São Paulo, since 2020, Law No. 17.272 requires cinemas to offer adapted sessions with slightly dimmed lights, lower volume than usual, and no commercial advertising to avoid disturbances.

• Identification: CIPTEA
  Autism is not a disability that affects children’s appearance, so it is important they have identification to use when necessary. The Identification Card for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (CIPTEA) is an official document used to facilitate identification of autistic individuals in public and private services throughout São Paulo. It can be issued both online and at Poupatempo service centers.

Despite having laws that guarantee their rights, people with autism still face many barriers in accessing them. A significant challenge is that many systems require internet access, and not everyone has the knowledge or means to make requests or upload documents.

Some public offices are also hard to access due to bureaucratic procedures and the high volume of diverse information. However, “atypical mothers” tend to be combative and increasingly aware of what they should demand from public authorities, counting on networks like Instituto C in this mission.

Instituto C’s Work in Guaranteeing Rights

At Instituto C, about 37% of the children served have autism, so the work focuses on supporting families in securing their rights, ensuring access to legally guaranteed services for all children served, and also empowering mothers. Through multidisciplinary work, Instituto C offers services with professionals who assist with families’ diverse needs, such as nutrition addressing healthy eating and food selectivity, income generation to support job opportunities, and psychosocial support for mental health care.

The institute guides families toward achieving essential rights so people with ASD can gain autonomy and a full life. However, this reality remains distant for many families, especially those lacking the tools to claim their rights.

Thus, the technical team acts as a gateway to knowledge. Through initial contact, social workers seek to understand each family’s needs and guide them accordingly. Franciele Fernandes, social worker at Instituto C, says most family demands are related to access to health and education, and she explains where services can be found or even directly contacts public agencies.

She highlights the importance of the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC), which guarantees low-income families with children with disabilities financial support to cover basic needs like food. “A child who does not eat well cannot develop or focus,” Franciele stresses, emphasizing the importance of this aid.

Another frequent demand is school inclusion, especially in the early years, as Lualinda Toledo, pedagogue at Instituto C, explains:
“We need to carefully understand whether the child belongs to regular or specialized schooling,” she points out.

Atypical Mothers Who Inspire

Samanta is now a social work intern at Instituto C but initially came with her family seeking guidance and support networks. A single mother of two boys with autism, she says atypical motherhood completely changed her life, permeating all family challenges.

At the institute, she found a space to exchange experiences and strengthen other mothers. “I see it as an exchange. We learn from the knowledge of the professionals, but they also feed off the experiences of the mothers themselves,” Samanta says about the professionals’ work.

“The institute helps us open doors—doors that others have closed, kept shut, and sometimes locked with a key. They help strengthen the family’s connection to their community.”

Besides working with Instituto C, Samanta mobilizes a support group for families of autistic and atypical children in her neighborhood, Cidade Tiradentes. At Fact Corações Azuis, many mothers share demands and challenges in fighting for their children’s rights but find strength and support in the network.

She shares that pursuing her children’s rights also motivated her to gain knowledge to navigate various services, inspiring her desire to become a social worker. This learning is shared with other mothers during conversations, empowering them. “When you speak up and take a stand, you become a force. Because depending on what you say, you awaken those who don’t know or don’t have access and are going through a situation,” she says.

Help Instituto C

Like Samanta’s family, many others benefit from Instituto C’s work and come to understand their rights with support from our technical team. Through assistance, paths are paved to ensure better quality of life for all, especially supporting children’s development.

There are many ways to contribute to Instituto C’s work—through donations or volunteering in areas such as benefits assembly and distribution, toy library, family counseling, psychotherapy, and the Nota Fiscal Paulista program.

Food selectivity is a condition characterized by aversion to a large number of foods. It is a very common symptom in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as shown by a study conducted by the University of Marília in São Paulo. This is because it involves a sensory issue, which is highly present in the autism spectrum. People with autism may have a more rigid eating pattern—meaning they always eat the same foods—so a break in routine, with the introduction of new food groups, leads to discomfort and rejection.

For families with children with autism, food selectivity is a daily challenge, as these children often prefer only one specific type of food, which isn’t always the healthiest option. We spoke with nutritionist Prof. Dr. Rosana Farah, a specialist in eating disorders, who explained more about this issue. “For autistic individuals, ideally things should always remain the same, with the same shape and presentation. This is why ‘packaged’ foods may be preferred, as they always have the same smell, color, texture, and crunch,” she explains.

The nutritionist points out that the degree of food selectivity and aversion can be triggered by behavioral factors such as hypersensitivity, past experiences with choking, reflux, allergies, as well as nutritional issues like nutrient deficiencies and gastrointestinal disorders that worsen loss of appetite.

The biggest challenge, then, is learning how to best manage food selectivity in a way that does not make the child feel forced to change habits, but rather incorporates diverse eating gradually into their routine. In this context, a multidisciplinary approach involving a nutritionist, physician, speech therapist, and occupational therapist is essential to break down barriers and support both the child and their family.

Nutrition as a key pillar of treatment

The role of nutritionists in managing food selectivity is fundamental for nutritional re-education and the introduction of healthy foods into a child’s or adolescent’s diet. The more a child restricts their variety of food groups, the higher the risk of clinical consequences, including nutritional deficiencies, being overweight, and obesity. Without proper treatment, various nutritional harms may occur, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, tooth loss, and intestinal issues.

The assessment process carried out by a nutritionist must be personalized according to the specifics of each case. According to the expert, an assessment is never a one-time task—it must be built through a relationship of trust with the child and their family or caregivers. In addition to analyzing weight and height, it is also essential at the beginning to understand the family dynamics and the child’s relationship with food.

Prof. Rosana emphasizes the importance of identifying the food patterns the child accepts and the shared characteristics among those foods, such as color, consistency, and texture. From there, new foods can be gradually introduced according to the child’s own pace.

One approach involves food chaining techniques, which use the foods the child already likes as a base to present new options with similar color, texture, or food group. An example would be replacing store-bought French fries with homemade fries.

The role of the family in dietary re-education

The family plays a fundamental role in helping build dietary diversity in the child’s life, since they are present daily during meals. They should aim to reframe these moments, bringing a sense of calm and comfort so that children feel safe and encouraged to try new flavors.

The expert stresses that “families themselves need care too, because stress and emotional exhaustion—as well as feelings of guilt and pressure—are very common. Families must be guided and supported in acquiring new habits to break vicious cycles.”

Instituto C’s work in nutritional education

That’s why the support offered by organizations like Instituto C is crucial in helping families take the first step toward addressing this issue. At Instituto C, our team works within the framework of social nutrition, with clinical interventions only in extreme cases. Our focus is on nutritional education, offering guidance so families can better manage food selectivity.

Food selectivity is the most common concern brought to the nutrition team by mothers of children with ASD, according to Raquel Kanup, a nutritionist at Instituto C.

Raquel explains that food selectivity should also be addressed through joint efforts that include public health policies. That’s where the institute acts as an intermediary. “If the family lives in São Paulo, and the child with food selectivity also has an ASD diagnosis, I guide them on how to request a referral from their public health unit (UBS) nutritionist to access specialized services for treating food selectivity in ASD cases (such as Instituto PENSI),” she says.

Furthermore, when food selectivity is present, some children cannot stay in school for the full day because they are unable to eat at school. In such cases—when they have no access to proper treatment and, consequently, no adapted school meals—the nutritionist schedules a consultation with the family to create a report requesting meal adjustments. This document is sent to the school or the municipality’s school meal department to request accommodations.

Managing food selectivity through a multidisciplinary approach increases the chances of children adapting to the introduction of new foods in a more peaceful and suitable way. This allows us to support even more families dealing with food selectivity, especially those raising children with autism.

To that end, we are seeking volunteer nutritionists to join our team and help us address this issue that is so prevalent in our daily work. This professional will work with us on a mission that can truly transform the reality of many children. Click here to learn more!

This article was developed with support from Raquel Kanup, nutritionist at Instituto C, and Rosana Farah, professor, Ph.D., and specialist in eating disorders.

Ultra-processed foods have become increasingly present on the tables of families living in socially vulnerable situations, according to the Ministry of Social Development and Assistance. When it comes to food, healthy eating is always a topic of discussion, especially because it benefits everyone’s health. However, access to this type of food can still be limited, mainly due to factors such as lack of time, the convenience of consuming ultra-processed products, and unequal access to information.

According to a study by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), 8 out of 10 Brazilians live in urban centers, and 16 million live in favelas and peripheral areas, where so-called “food swamps” are concentrated. Food swamps are areas where establishments that primarily sell ultra-processed foods—such as small local markets—are predominant, and people need to travel more than 15 minutes to find stores that offer healthy foods, thus making access more difficult.

In the Southeast region, most of the population lives in such areas. This is according to a study by the government in partnership with the University of São Paulo (USP), published on the Alimenta Cidades platform. The data show that about 15 million people live in food swamps in Brazil, with more than half of them located in the Southeast. This context of limited access to healthy foods can also lead to food insecurity, which occurs when a person does not have regular access to quality food to maintain good health.

What are ultra-processed foods?

Ultra-processed foods can be defined in different ways, but the main one is that they generally contain many ingredients not typically used in home cooking, such as chemical additives and flavorings. They also go through several stages of processing and usually have a high calorie density and low nutritional value, with high levels of sugars, fats, and salt.

Foods like cookies, chips, instant noodles, sausages, and soft drinks are some examples of ultra-processed foods. They shouldn’t necessarily be treated as villains, but when consumed in excess, they can lead to chronic non-communicable diseases.

High consumption of ultra-processed foods during childhood

If the consumption of ultra-processed foods can impact adults’ lives, it is even more dangerous for children. Childhood is when many habits begin to form, including eating habits. Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity can be triggered by consuming foods rich in fats and sugars.

Raquel Kanup, a nutritionist at Instituto C (Central Branch), explains that these ingredients, in excess, harm health by contributing to the development of hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and increased body fat. “These foods, which are rich in both chemical additives and fats, salt, and sugar, gradually affect our overall metabolism,” she adds.

The earlier a child is introduced to these foods, the higher the risks. “A child who is exposed to these foods from an early age will not only struggle to incorporate vegetables, fruits, and legumes into their diet, but is also more likely to develop diseases, especially cardiovascular issues,” explains Natalia Tanan, a nutritionist at the North Zone Branch.

An interesting tool to help children and young people better understand nutrition is the Pratinho Firmeza, created by Énois Conteúdo. It’s a guide that uses simple and approachable language, along with illustrations and meaningful conversations. The character Ayo, who leads the narrative, explores a range of reflections about the right to healthy food in childhood and youth, helping promote a deeper conversation about the topic.

Public food policies

In addition to professional support, public policies are also crucial in preventing nutritional food insecurity. These government actions ensure access to healthy foods and can include measures such as advertising regulation, accessible food labeling, and the promotion of local agriculture.

There are already initiatives in place to strengthen healthy eating and ensure that the right foods are on Brazilians’ tables. One example is the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines, created by the Ministry of Health to guide the population on what foods to eat for a better quality of life.

In the city of São Paulo, there are also locations known as Armazém Solidário (Solidarity Storehouses), which are part of a program launched in 2024 and funded by the São Paulo Food Supply Fund (FAASP). The initiative aims to offer healthy food items at more affordable prices to families in vulnerable situations registered in the CadÚnico system. The Human Rights Department’s website provides addresses and more information about food supply and security.

Furthermore, school meals are also a key element in promoting children’s health from early childhood. The National School Feeding Program  regulates school meals, including efforts to reduce ultra-processed foods and increase fresh, natural options. Despite this legislation, the country still faces challenges in fully implementing healthy school meals. “A child who grows up eating fruits, vegetables, and legumes every day is much more likely to continue eating them throughout life. Unfortunately, we still see cities—even in the metropolitan area—offering ultra-processed foods in school meals,” says Raquel.

Instituto C and support for healthy eating

At Instituto C, the team works daily with families who are seeking to improve their eating habits. The topic is addressed both during group discussions, where the nutritionist and families read food labels together and analyze the ingredients in order to reflect on ultra-processed foods and encourage habit changes, and in individual consultations, which are tailored to each family’s reality and help build personalized paths for change.

“Despite everything, it’s important to understand that this is more of a battle to reduce the freedom of the food industry and to inform people. I can choose between eating homemade cake or store-bought cake because I have the information,” Raquel explains.

Natalia also notes that some families may be more resistant to changing habits, especially due to cost concerns, since ultra-processed foods tend to be cheaper than healthy ones. However, finding a balance is possible. “I always start off very neutral and calm, giving people autonomy. And when I see that the family is a bit more resistant, I start introducing some goals and objectives,” the nutritionist explains.

Each year, the World Economic Forum selects outstanding individuals for the Young Global Leaders 2024 program, highlighting people under 40 who are making an impact in their communities through innovation and leadership.

This year, Vera Oliveira, founder and executive director of Instituto C, was named one of the Young Global Leaders. This honor not only recognizes her innovative leadership and the transformative impact of Instituto C, but also highlights the strength and influence of Brazilian women in global leadership.

Learn More About the 2024 Young Global Leaders Program

The Young Global Leaders program, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, aims to identify, connect, and mobilize the next generation of leaders under 40 who excel in fields such as politics, business, culture, and media.

The 3-year program brings together a diverse community of influential people who are addressing current global issues and working together to find impactful solutions throughout their professional journeys. In total, more than 80 leaders were selected this year.

Vera joins the program as one of two Brazilians chosen to promote conscious leadership, alongside Anielle Franco, Brazil’s Minister for Racial Equality.

According to Vera, being selected has had a major impact on both her personal and professional life:

“All the knowledge I’ll gain by participating in the program, the opportunity to connect with different worlds and people concerned with global impact, will help me bring new ideas to further improve Instituto C’s work.”

This year’s list also includes names such as Netflix executive producer Paz Hyde, former editor-in-chief of Vogue China Margaret Zhang, Olympic athlete Lewis Pugh, Indian actress Bhumi Pednekar, Turkish-American artist and designer Refik Anadol, Canadian news anchor Omayra Issa, Ecuador’s president-elect Daniel Noboa, and Chinese figure skater Han Cong.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Young Global Leaders program has launched numerous impactful projects, such as Table For Two, which provided 1 million school meals in developing countries.

Female Representation in the Young Global Leaders Program

Over the years, the program has served as a platform for notable leaders who have positively impacted their countries and the world. Figures like Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, and Queen Mathilde of Belgium are among those who have used this opportunity to expand their global contributions.

In the Brazilian context, female representation has proven fundamental: half of this year’s selected leaders are women. Past honorees include Luiza Mattos, partner at Bain & Company, and Mariana Luz, CEO of Fundação Maria Cecilia Souto Vidigal.

In 2024, the inclusion of Vera Oliveira and Anielle Franco not only recognizes their exceptional leadership, but also underscores the importance of their unique perspectives and lived experiences. As mothers and leaders, they bring an inclusive vision that is crucial for designing policies and initiatives that broadly benefit communities.

“The program has been an important platform for leaders, and seeing increased female representation—especially from Brazil—not only enriches the group’s diversity but also strengthens the solutions we can offer to global challenges,” says Vera.

This representation is essential to inspire other women and mothers in Brazil and around the world to aspire to leadership roles. Being part of the Young Global Leaders program is a powerful reminder that women can and should play a central role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.

Vera Oliveira’s Biography

Vera holds a degree in Public Relations, with postgraduate studies in Cooperative Games, and academic extensions in Business Administration from the University of California and Leadership of Social Organizations from Stanford University. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at Insper, further expanding her ability to drive positive social change.

“My dream was simple—to transform someone’s life, to make the world a little better each day, in the sense of leaving more behind than I take from the world. I never imagined I’d found an organization and see it become as recognized as Instituto C is today,” says Vera.

Impact and Contributions at Instituto C

Under Vera’s leadership, Instituto C focuses on supporting families in socially vulnerable situations, promoting autonomy and full citizenship. Its integrated and multidisciplinary approach treats families holistically, helping them build independence.

So far, the institute has assisted nearly 20,000 people and has been recognized as one of Brazil’s Top 100 NGOs for the past seven years.

Looking to the future, Vera shares Instituto C’s main goals:

“I hope this social transformation work—helping families escape poverty and pursue autonomy—can reach even more families. We aim to expand our operations to new locations, collaborating more with other organizations and public policies. We’re ambitious about growing our impact across cities.”

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The conversation circles, one of the key activities offered by Instituto C to families, are far more than simple group meetings. They act as powerful spaces for integration, fostering authentic connections, active listening, and the enriching exchange of knowledge and experiences.

Through these meaningful dialogues, families learn about important issues and strengthen their community bonds—creating an environment of support, learning, and mutual care.

In this article, you’ll better understand how conversation circles work at the Central Hub and North Zone Hub, the methodology used by Instituto C, and the importance of these moments for each family that participates.

Conversation Circles: Why and How Do They Happen?

Instituto C’s headquarters is located at the Central Hub, where the Family Action Plan is carried out—this was the organization’s first project and the foundation for testing and developing its current care methodology.

At the Central Hub, conversation circles occur every two months and are part of the family care plan. They follow a structured schedule: one month is dedicated to individual sessions with case managers, and the following month, the conversation circle takes place, followed by multidisciplinary services. “We have a planned calendar with six main topics we discuss throughout the year. Families are divided into groups to ensure everyone’s inclusion, and for about an hour, they participate in the discussions,” explains Katia Moretti, coordinator of the Central Hub.

In contrast, the North Zone Hub, launched in March 2022, is where the Cidadania em Rede project is implemented—a comprehensive initiative that brings together Instituto C’s expertise to serve families in vulnerable situations with children and adolescents from surrounding communities.

There, conversation circles are held weekly, with a new topic each week. Unlike the Central Hub, where topics are repeated, the North Zone features a constant variety of themes. In addition to individual services, families have a group session every Monday afternoon. Topics are chosen based on case managers’ observations during individual meetings, recurring needs, or relevant events such as Yellow September (a suicide prevention campaign).

“Each week, a different case manager leads the circle. Two professionals are involved: one chooses the topic and leads the discussion, while the other supports the logistics and setup. The leading professional can facilitate the session themselves or invite a guest expert,” says Talita Lima, coordinator of the North Zone Hub.

The Impact of Conversation Circles

The conversation circles are carefully prepared by Instituto C’s professionals, who identify shared concerns among families and conduct research to enhance the discussions. The aim is to create a collaborative learning environment, not just a lecture format. Dynamic activities encourage active participation, inviting families to share their own stories and insights.

The impact is clear in family evaluations. “The average satisfaction score is extremely high—9.95 out of 10—and all families strongly agree that the sessions help them deal with unfamiliar topics,” says Katia.

“I received valuable, up-to-date information I had never accessed before,” shared Fernanda Lima Zerbatto de Lucena, a participant at the Central Hub.

At the North Zone Hub, although all families are invited, sessions occur outside regular service hours and are scheduled alongside case review and home visits. “We’ve noticed that attendance varies and is usually lower compared to the total number of families served. However, topics that deeply resonate—such as autism or child development—often draw a larger audience,” explains Talita.

There, topics are announced in advance, allowing families to choose the sessions most relevant to them. “This results in more engaged participation. Even if the number is smaller, those who attend are genuinely interested,” Talita adds.

In 2023, 87% of families at the North Zone Hub rated the circles as excellent. “It was very helpful to reflect on some of my parenting habits—what I need to improve, how far I’ve come, and how important it is to raise children with both firmness and empathy,” shared Laize O. C. Santana, one of the mothers served by Instituto C.

Another participant, Nathalia Stephanie Felix de Morais, highlighted the importance of connection: “This meeting allowed me to express myself and listen to others who are going through—or have gone through—similar challenges.”

Topics Covered in Conversation Circles

At the Central Hub in 2023, the topics were:

• Ableism

• Violence against women

• The importance of play

• Home gardening

• Identity and representation

• Life planning and goal setting

Among these, Katia highlights ableism and the importance of play as especially powerful conversations that helped demystify common misconceptions. “Connecting with the stories, struggles, and victories of other families builds a sense of community and mutual support,” she emphasizes.

“I learned a lot from this conversation circle. I had heard about the importance of play from other professionals, but today I really understood. The way it was explained opened my eyes. From now on, I’ll see my son’s therapy with a different perspective,” shared Katiane de Fátima da Silva, reflecting on the circle about the importance of play.

At the North Zone Hub, Talita points out highlights like the circle on autism, which included a neuro-educator and drew great interest. Other impactful sessions covered women’s health and female sexuality, which sparked both curiosity and important conversations about often-taboo topics. “We conduct evaluations after each circle, giving families the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions. Overall, the responses are positive. Families recognize that they’re not alone—and that shared experience fosters connection,” Talita concludes.

More Than Just a Meeting

In this way, it’s clear that Instituto C’s conversation circles are far more than casual gatherings—they are powerful spaces of connection, growth, and support. Whether at the Central Hub or the North Zone Hub, these sessions offer families the opportunity to reflect on relevant issues while being seen, heard, and embraced as part of a caring community. The active participation of families, even when dealing with difficult or sensitive subjects, highlights just how essential and impactful these moments are for well-being and holistic development—for everyone involved.

One of the key service areas at Instituto C is dedicated to psychology, the science that studies human behavior and mental processes.

The topic has gained even more visibility since the COVID-19 pandemic, but the truth is that psychology, when developed and applied effectively, can be an essential tool for promoting and strengthening the overall well-being of society.

At Instituto C, psychology is practiced from a social perspective, which differs from the traditional clinical and individual model known to most people. “Social psychology is a professional field and is recognized within the scope of social assistance,” explains Nayara Oliveira, institutional psychologist.

To her, this work pays close attention to issues of intersectionality, exclusion, and inclusion in society. “We work through qualified listening, taking into account historical, social, and economic contexts—especially those shaped by intersections of gender, class, and race, as well as marginalized populations such as Indigenous communities and riverine populations,” Nayara explains.

Let’s take a closer look at what social psychology is and how the psychology program works at Instituto C.

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What is Social Psychology?

Social psychology is a field within psychology that focuses on understanding human behavior in social contexts.

Unlike the traditional clinical model, social psychology has a community-based and collective approach, analyzing issues always tied to the community and social environment.“The role of social psychology is to identify the strengths and vulnerabilities of the people and communities we serve, primarily from a family-centered perspective, always aiming to strengthen their potential and ensure access to basic rights,” says Nayara.

She also highlights that this understanding is relatively new in Brazil. “Recognizing someone as a subject of rights is a very recent concept in Brazilian society. It stems from the 1988 Constitution. So we’re talking about only 35 years of history in seeing people as rights-holders. Social psychology works to ensure that these rights are actually upheld.”

Furthermore, it’s important to understand that poverty and vulnerability are multi-dimensional, not defined solely by the absence of money. That’s why a qualified and active listening approach is essential—always operating ethically and in coordination with public policy access and social services.

How is the Psychology Area Structured at Instituto C?

At Instituto C, the psychology team practices social psychology. The professionals provide both individual and group sessions, such as talking circles and empowerment groups. In urgent cases, they also conduct home visits. If a need for psychotherapy is identified, they connect families to appropriate public or private services.

The frequency of these services varies by location and demand. For example, at Polo Centro, families are seen once a month in person, with remote support as needed. At Polo Zona Norte, sessions are scheduled weekly, depending on the families’ needs and staff availability.

“Psychology is guided by an ethical code, and one of its core principles is to actively fight for equality and against oppression and violence. So psychology at Instituto C is always aligned with these principles,” Nayara emphasizes.

How Do Psychology Services Work?

From a social psychology perspective, care is always collectively designed, based not only on what is said—but also on what is unsaid. “We assess family vulnerabilities not only through what they tell us, but also through what the environment and community are producing,” says Nayara.

Many forms of violence or rights violations are normalized by society due to systemic and historical structures. Social psychologists help families recognize these issues. “Gender-based or domestic violence, for example, is something that many women don’t even realize they’re experiencing. Our work involves raising awareness, amplifying voices, and not individualizing the problem,” she adds.

The Institutional Development Area

In addition to working with families, there is also a Development Team that supports the internal well-being of Instituto C staff—where psychology also plays a key role. Nayara leads this area. “Here, we don’t work directly with families, but rather with the team itself. It’s about listening to and caring for people and processes, so we can maintain strong, sustainable relationships,” she explains.

Even in this internal space, the work is grounded in social psychology, with the same lens of inclusion, ethics, and collective care.

The Benefits of Social Psychology

The fight for equality benefits all of society. And when we imagine a psychology that is not elitist or individualistic, the act of producing health and strengthening bonds becomes even more impactful. “By doing this, we prevent violence from being perpetuated or repeated,” Nayara affirms.

Of course, social psychology faces many challenges—especially in a country marked by deep-rooted oppression and inequality—but it is a real and transformative path. “Practicing ethical, inclusive care is a way to promote change. If we are trying to provide care for marginalized populations, the approach cannot be individual—it must be collective. And little by little, as we walk the path, we create the path,” Nayara concludes.

Serving families facing social vulnerability alongside children and adolescents, Instituto C focuses on helping them achieve independence and autonomy while expanding their awareness of their rights and responsibilities.

To do this, Instituto C invests in developing each individual’s intrinsic capabilities, guiding them in their transformation into engaged citizens, aware of their rights and duties, through care, guidance, direction, and articulation with the social assistance network. The ultimate goal is social transformation by the end of each family’s journey with the organization.

Screening and Individualized Support Plans

Families arrive at Instituto C spontaneously, often referred by other families familiar with the project or by the social assistance network, which directs them to the organization.

After the first contact, families go through a screening interview to assess their socioeconomic status. If they fit the profile, they are invited to begin the program.

From this first interaction, the approach is fully individualized. Each family receives a customized care plan, ensuring they are served by the appropriate areas with the necessary frequency based on their specific needs.

Technical Support and Multidisciplinary Services

Every family is assigned a dedicated professional, known as a family case manager, who strengthens the relationship between the family and Instituto C and helps expedite the resolution of their needs.

On designated days, families receive guidance and referrals in key areas such as social services, psychology, nutrition, education, and income generation. With this structure, families have more autonomy to choose which services to attend, delve deeper into topics, and ultimately benefit from more effective and meaningful support.

Monitoring and Family Progress

Every month, the team evaluates each family’s progress and engagement with their action plan. On average, families remain in the program for about 18 months—enough time for the head of household to rebuild self-esteem, strengthen their support networks, and gain confidence in navigating the social assistance system independently.

At the end of the process, the family concludes their cycle with Instituto C, making space for another family to be served.

Service Hubs

Instituto C currently operates through three service hubs, each with specific characteristics and community focus.

Central Hub

Located in the heart of the Vila Buarque neighborhood in São Paulo, the Central Hub also serves as Instituto C’s headquarters. This is where the organization began 12 years ago and where its current methodology was prototyped.

Initially, the focus was on families with children facing chronic illnesses, and this remains the target profile of families served at this hub. Since 2012, a structured screening process has been in place, emphasizing active listening, collaborative planning, and goal monitoring with each family—an approach now replicated in the other two hubs.

North Zone Hub

Opened in March 2022 and located in the Vila Palmeiras neighborhood of São Paulo, this hub serves families in vulnerable situations with children and adolescents, primarily from nearby communities in the North Zone.

Guarujá Hub

Launched in 2023, the Guarujá Hub is the result of a partnership between Instituto C and the organization Alimentando o Bem. Born during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to assist residents of Perequê—a region already affected by severe flooding—the initiative brought Instituto C’s social care methodology to the area.

A detailed territorial analysis was carried out to understand the region’s specific needs. Based on these findings, a multidisciplinary team was formed and the family support methodology tailored to the local context was implemented.

Today, Instituto C is prepared to scale its methodology, always with the commitment to understanding each region’s unique characteristics and needs. In doing so, the organization continues to expand its impact—bringing support, autonomy, and hope to more families across diverse communities.

Early childhood refers to the period from birth to six years of age. It is a crucial stage of human development, marked by rapid physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth.

Investing in the early years of life is extremely important, as this is when the child’s brain is constantly developing and most receptive to learning.

Numerous scientific studies show that experiences during early childhood have a profound and lasting impact on adult life. According to the Center for Applied Research on Early Childhood, skills such as language, problem-solving, sociability, and adaptability are all developed during the first years of life.

With this in mind, in June of this year, the Brazilian Senate approved a bill that designates August as the Month of Early Childhood. The PL 2.034/2021 aims to promote awareness about the importance of comprehensive care for pregnant women, children, and their families across the country.

At Instituto C, we have a dedicated service area called Child Development, which focuses entirely on children in early childhood, always seeking to support their full development.

But what exactly is early childhood?

According to Brazil’s Ministry of Health, early childhood begins at conception and lasts until six years of age. It is considered a critical period for human development, marked by rapid physical and brain growth, as well as emotional, social, and cognitive development.

Science has shown that experiences during early childhood, even from the prenatal stage, directly influence the kind of person a child becomes. This phase offers a unique opportunity for a child to reach their full potential. “The earlier we invest in a child’s development, the greater the return for both the individual and society,” says the NCPI (National Center for Early Childhood).

Thus, everything experienced during early childhood—positive or negative, especially interactions with parents, family members, and caregivers—shapes the person the child will become.

5 Reasons to Invest in the Early Years

It’s clear that investing in early childhood benefits not only children but society as a whole. The right stimulation can enhance intellectual ability, improve academic performance, and reduce dropout and repetition rates—while also forming adults better prepared to face life’s challenges.

Here are five key reasons to invest in early childhood:

1. Impact on Brain Development

In the early years, a child’s brain undergoes rapid growth and forms critical neural connections. Proper stimulation at this stage supports healthy brain development and the acquisition of essential skills.

2. Foundation for Future Skills

Experiences during early childhood have a deep and lasting effect on personality, behavior, and lifelong learning. Investment in this stage lays the groundwork for a child’s comprehensive development.

3. Promotion of Health and Well-being

Investing in early childhood directly impacts physical and emotional health. Proper care at this stage helps prevent long-term health issues and promotes emotional and social well-being.

4. Reducing Social Inequality

Early childhood investment is a powerful way to fight inequality by providing equal opportunities from the start. Children who receive the right support are more likely to reach their full potential—regardless of their background.

5. Long-term Economic Benefits

Investing early yields significant returns for society. Children who receive quality education and care are more likely to become productive, self-sufficient adults—ultimately reducing public spending on social and health services.

Children’s Rights: What Are the Key Ones?

Children have internationally recognized rights, protected by conventions and declarations. One of the most important is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted on November 20, 1989.

Key rights include:

• The right to education

• The right to health

• Protection from child labor

• Freedom from discrimination and violence

• Freedom of expression

• The right to family life and care

Guaranteeing these rights is a shared responsibility among the State, society, family, and individuals. While the State bears the primary responsibility through public policy, legislation, and funding for essential services like education and healthcare, society also plays a crucial role—including NGOs, communities, and each individual.