It is impossible to talk about rights without also talking about education, such a powerful tool that transforms realities and allows us to go further. Even with the difficulties faced by the most vulnerable populations, education remains the most effective way to expand opportunities and ensure the full exercise of citizenship.

While still working toward equity in education, Brazil has achieved good results in recent years. In 2024, for example, the country had an illiteracy rate of 5.3%, the lowest in the historical series that began in 2016, and the proportion of people aged 25 or older who had completed compulsory basic education reached 56.0% in 2024, the highest percentage in the series. This figure shows how educational programs have made a difference, but it also makes us think about the changes still needed for more inclusive, high-quality education.

Many families served by IC have educational needs that mainly involve inclusion in school settings, but many mothers have also found in their studies a way to take care of themselves and envision new possibilities for their lives.

Mothers who found a path in education

Érica is the mother of two girls, and her story is one in which education also plays a leading role. She was unable to finish high school as a teenager but, as an adult, completed it through EJA (Youth and Adult Education). From then on, she never stopped studying: she earned a degree in Law while also studying Management Processes and is now taking a graduate program in Personnel Administration and Human Resources, along with a third degree in Information Security.

With an inspiring record, she says that educational inclusion programs such as EJA and FIES (Student Financing Fund) were very important in allowing her to keep studying. Today, she is grateful for all the courses she took, which led her to a better life. “For me, education sums up basically everything I’ve achieved,” she says.

Danielly, also a mother of two, saw EJA as a way to complete her studies and, in 2026, she will finish high school. She says the experience has been transformative, especially because of the contact with other students, and she greatly values this stage of her life: “studying isn’t a waste of time, it’s a gain in knowledge.”

Despite the challenges of motherhood, she hopes to go to college or take a technical course to gain more knowledge, something she values deeply. “Education opens doors: doors to jobs, knowledge, learning, vocational courses and even college,” she points out.

As mothers of neurodivergent children, Érica and Danielly faced similar difficulties on their educational journeys. Both had to balance school and college with caring for their children and, fortunately, were able to count on a support network. But options such as evening classes and distance learning were also important for them to keep studying.

Both greatly value the programs that gave them the opportunity to study. And they believe more retention programs should be created so that mothers can study without facing so many barriers.

Public policies must ensure equity

Ensuring quality education for all is, above all, a duty of the State. At Instituto C, we support families so that their educational rights are respected — from school accessibility to adequate transportation. Each public policy is a way of ensuring that everyone can learn. “They reduce structural barriers, strengthen school retention and promote equity, making it possible for everyone to access opportunities for learning and holistic development,” explains Fabiana Ribeiro, an educator at Instituto C.

Civil society organizations and the community itself are also strong allies in ensuring that education is complete. Everyone should act as an extension of the school, addressing the emotional, psychological and socioeconomic vulnerabilities that affect children and adolescents. When this effort is coordinated with the Rights Guarantee System, the protection and support network is strengthened, creating conditions for schools to fully dedicate themselves to their main mission: promoting quality teaching and learning.

Lualinda Toledo, an educator and technical supervisor at IC, stresses how much attention we must pay to the education we want to achieve as a society: “the education we have is far from the education we want. If we don’t value what has already been built and don’t fight for what we want, we will never achieve it, neither as a society nor as individuals.”

Programs that provide access to education

It is also worth highlighting the programs for continuing and entering education already underway in Brazil, which have made a great difference in people’s lives. Here are some of them:

Encceja (National Exam for the Certification of Youth and Adult Competencies): an exam for young people and adults living in Brazil or abroad who did not have the opportunity to complete their studies at the expected age, whether at the elementary or high school level.

– EJA (Youth and Adult Education): a modality of basic education that allows students to resume and complete elementary and high school in just a few years.
– ENEM (National High School Exam): an exam that assesses students’ academic performance after completing high school, and also provides access to higher education.
– SISU (Unified Selection System): a Federal Government initiative, developed by the Ministry of Education (MEC), that aims to democratize access to public higher education institutions throughout the country.
– Prouni (University for All Program): offers full scholarships, covering the total cost of tuition, and partial scholarships, covering 50% of tuition, at private universities.
– Fies (Student Financing Fund): a program that provides financing to students in tuition-based higher education programs.

Education at IC

For mothers who study, like Érica and Danielly, education is also a way to gain more financial autonomy and to learn more about their own rights and responsibilities. They also become role models for their children, and say they never stop encouraging them to study and learn more each day.

At Instituto C, the pedagogy and income generation areas are the ones most involved in working with mothers so they can continue their educational journeys and ensure their children can study with dignity. “The pedagogy area strengthens families’ participation in school life, ensures access to opportunities for holistic development and makes education a tool for inclusion, citizenship and social transformation,” says Fabiana.

“We guide and refer families, contacting the school, public agencies and other network services when necessary, to help ensure their rights are fulfilled. Strengthening, guiding and welcoming families is the main goal of our work,” concludes Lualinda.

We are in Janeiro Branco (White January), the time of year when we focus our efforts on talking about mental health care, a topic of great importance to the population. But it is not possible to talk about mental health without also mentioning social justice, an essential factor for understanding what affects the lives of the most vulnerable populations.

People’s well-being depends on many factors beyond the psychological and emotional aspects; it is also affected by the living conditions that shape someone’s daily life, such as social, environmental and economic factors. A UN (United Nations) report indicates that poverty increases the risk of anxiety and depression by up to three times, and this is just one example of the relationship between social justice and mental health.

In this way, issues such as social, gender and geographic inequality create barriers that prevent mental health from receiving the care it deserves. At Instituto C, we offer psychosocial support to many families, most of them led by mothers, who are among the groups most affected by mental health issues. Nine out of ten Brazilian mothers suffer from “parental burnout” due to the accumulation of tasks and the lack of a support network, according to a survey by Kiddle Pass in partnership with B2Mamy.

In our daily work, we see how much social factors affect people’s mental health, and we need to pay more attention to this. “Social inequalities not only increase the risk of mental illness, but also limit access to care,” highlights Isabella Zambelli, a psychologist at IC.

How are inequalities linked to mental health?

Inequalities based on race, gender, social class and sexual orientation are some of those that directly affect the population and access to mental health care. Prejudices such as racism, for example, which exposes the Black population to mental disorders, directly impact mental health through the social exclusion and violence suffered by this part of the population.

Women, especially mothers, face an overload of tasks and a double routine, at times a lonely one, of caring for their children, work and home. Suellen Claudino, also a psychologist at Instituto C, works with many women in this situation and sees up close how neglected they are: “a single mother has to take care of the house, take care of the children, work to sort out the family’s finances […] Often she can’t take care of her mental health, and then it ends up being overlooked because of the overload,” she points out.

Territorial and social class inequalities also make it harder to access information about psychological care services, and even to reach health facilities.

Social determinants are still underestimated

Although we understand that inequalities worsen mental health issues, we are still on the way to having public policies that recognize these social factors. That is why policies to reduce inequality, such as cash transfers and policies for access to education and housing, have a positive impact on the population’s mental health.

Instituto Cactus, an organization that works to promote mental health, has already produced support materials that make psychological care possible while taking social determinants into account. Mariana Rae, a mental health specialist at the institute, believes it is impossible to talk about mental health without addressing social justice. “Social justice is not a topic parallel to mental health; it is a constitutive part of care. Ignoring this reduces the possibilities for prevention and health promotion, and ends up shifting onto the individual the responsibility for suffering that is, to a large extent, socially produced,” she explains.

IC psychologist Isabella also explains that, in many contexts, psychological distress is still analyzed only through a biological and individual lens, resulting in excessive medicalization and excluding the social conditions that produce the distress.

In her view, mental health services are still not prepared to deal with cultural and territorial diversity, as they tend to follow standardized models of care. Ultimately, this results in a gap between professionals and the population, further neglecting and stigmatizing mental health.

Mental health services in the SUS

The constitutional right to health also includes mental health care. And this is a duty of the Brazilian State, which must provide dignified conditions of care for the entire population. In Brazil, care for mental health issues is coordinated by the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS), which is part of the SUS, Brazil’s Unified Health System, and brings together the services that support people experiencing mental distress or facing problems with harmful use of alcohol and other drugs.

These are the public policies that strengthen mental health care for Brazilians and must be preserved. “The implementation of mental health policies is shaped by different understandings of what care is, what psychological distress is and what the State’s role is in this. And these disputes end up influencing priorities, models of care and the quality of care offered in the territories,” notes Mariana Rae.

Today, RAPS brings together different services, such as Primary Health Care/Basic Health Units (UBS), Community and Culture Centers (CECO), Street Clinics (Consultório na Rua), Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS), Mental Health Beds in General Hospitals, the Back Home Program (Programa Volta para Casa), SAMU 192 (mobile emergency care), Therapeutic Residential Services (SRT), Shelter Units (UA) and 24-hour Emergency Care Units (UPA 24h).

These are existing policies that deserve investment in training and improvement for professionals, so that exclusionary and discriminatory patterns are not reproduced. And so that the understanding of the individual changes to the point where we can look through a lens that integrates all aspects of life, not just repeat an elitist clinical approach,” Isabella emphasizes.

Even with the difficulties faced by the public system, Brazil still stands out with services such as CAPS, which faces high demand but manages to serve the population. CAPS is a very comprehensive system, with multidisciplinary teams including doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, nurses and others, who offer continuous care, clinical follow-up and psychosocial support to users and their families. It is recognized by other countries as an innovative and humanized community-based model of mental health care, and a good example of how indispensable public policies are.

How we can help promote mental health

To strengthen mental health care, organizations such as Instituto C, which supports socially vulnerable families, including in the psychosocial area, and Instituto Cactus, which seeks to expand and strengthen the mental health ecosystem in Brazil, are fundamental in supporting the population, but society also has an important role in this mission. The first step is to destigmatize mental health and promote discussions on the topic.

“It is essential that there are community spaces that allow people to broaden their exchanges, both with what they already know and with what is different. This contact helps us understand that realities are not the same and that it is not possible to apply a single perspective to complex issues such as mental health,” says Mariana.

For Isabella, the community should be a welcoming space, working as a support network to reduce isolation and fight stigma through collective and cultural practices. “Territory, beyond being a physical space, is social and symbolic, and can concentrate inequalities, but also community strength and cultural protection.”

Sharing information is also an important task we should do often. Suellen explains that this is one of the most effective ways to talk about mental health and encourage people to take care of it. “That way, we keep spreading information, while also making people aware of their rights,” she adds.

How to get help

Free of charge through the SUS:

Basic Health Unit (UBS): go to the nearest UBS, where a general practitioner can assess your situation and refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist in the network, as needed.
Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS): specialized services for mental disorders. There are several types of CAPS, and access can be direct or by referral.
University clinics: universities with Psychology programs that offer free or low-cost care, provided by students supervised by professors.

For emergencies or moments of crisis:

Centro de Valorização da Vida (CVV): call 188 or use the chat on the website (cvv.org.br).
SAMU (192): for psychiatric urgencies/emergencies or suicide threats.
Fire Department (193): for rescue in cases of suicide attempts, serious accidents or psychological support in rescue situations.
Police (190): if there is aggression, violence or threats.

The Mapa da Saúde Mental (Mental Health Map) also lets you search for and find places offering psychological support near your location.

The year 2025 brought us many surprises and will remain etched in our memory. IC reached heights it had long dreamed of and, as a result, care reached 2,490 people, directly impacting 1,279 children and adolescents. Throughout the year, we prepared ourselves, restructured our work and strengthened internal processes to sustain a growth that was already proving necessary.

This movement required institutional maturity and brought important challenges, but it also opened paths for us to go further. Those on the front line of these changes, like our administrative director Diego Schultz, were able to follow the impact on day-to-day work up close. “These were months that demanded resilience, flexibility and a great capacity to adapt. Despite — and because of — these challenges, 2025 was also a year of hard work, dedication and growth,” he says.

With these transformations, we began to look at our work from new perspectives. We work with care and the guarantee of rights on different fronts, which led us to reassess our methodology, make progress in the use of indicators and implement new ways of monitoring families’ progress. This process was essential for IC to be ready to expand its work beyond the territory where it was already established.

In this context, we came to understand that our work is organized into three main fronts. Direct support to the families who take part in our activities. The multiplication of our methodology with institutions that want to strengthen their care practices. And advocacy work focused on influencing public policy and producing knowledge. This clarity was decisive in sustaining the expansions that marked the year.

Now, to fondly preserve the memories of 2025, we invite you to look back on some of what happened here.

We strengthened care

Care is part of our DNA, and one of the ways we bring it into people’s lives is by talking with them to understand their needs and help them overcome obstacles. In total, we provided 4,022 services, which connect us with families and build bonds so we can get to know each of them more deeply.

Individual sessions allow the technical team to understand which issues need more attention in each context, whether in psychology, employability, education, nutrition or access to rights. “Each meeting is an opportunity to build bonds, get to know families closely and address the most urgent matters in a personalized way. That is how we respect each family’s story, taking into account their experiences and individual circumstances,” explains Kátia Moreti, IC’s project manager.

Group sessions, on the other hand, bring up necessary discussions that are part of everyday life and shared by many families, such as health, access to public services and even financial education. In some of these groups, the involvement of volunteers was essential to ensure even more specialized support. “These are moments when people, who are often going through the same difficulties, connect with one another,” Kátia adds.

The partnership with volunteers also took shape in initiatives such as the training of adolescents through the Vozes do Futuro (Voices of the Future) Project, by the company LLYC, focused on career guidance for the job market. Another example was the financial education sessions led by students from FEA USP, who helped families organize their finances based on each one’s reality.

In addition, our work in the territory, especially at the North Zone Hub, helped strengthen families’ access to public services in the region. We held regular meetings with representatives of the social assistance network, promoting debates on issues that affect residents’ lives, and also took part in events such as Maio Laranja (Orange May), a campaign against child sexual abuse.

Many of these achievements were also made possible thanks to the volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to expanding our reach. In 2025, in addition to well-established fronts, such as support in the toy library and work with the Nota Fiscal Paulista program, we had nutrition professionals working on selective eating and legal support for guidance on specific cases. This combination of knowledge strengthens the care offered to each family.

We went further

In 2025, the desire to expand IC’s work took shape. The expansion to new cities was the result of a careful process of coordination, listening and joint construction, always in dialogue with local organizations and the social assistance network, to ensure that each initiative made sense in its territory.

In Taubaté, after years of dialogue and mobilizing partners, we began working in partnership with Projeto Hapet, which carries out psychosocial and educational activities with children and adolescents. Through this collaboration, we will support the families served by the organization, strengthening care in a holistic way. We currently have two people on the local team and continue to advance in coordinating with the network’s public services. Services are scheduled to begin in 2026, with the goal of supporting 100 families over the year.

In Porto Alegre, the expansion is taking place in partnership with Instituto Mari Johannpeter, in the Restinga neighborhood. The work will focus on families who already take part in Instituto Mari’s activities. Positions have already been opened, and the hiring process begins in January. Planning, the territorial assessment and training will take place at the beginning of the year, with services expected to start between March and April. The goal is to support 100 families by the end of 2026.

In São Paulo, Cyrela placed its trust in Instituto C’s methodology to offer holistic care to its employees and their families. The pilot project was structured in two complementary contexts. One involved serving families at the North Zone Hub. The other brought care directly into the workplace, with psychology and social work sessions held at construction sites.

At the Hub, the technical team provided services in social work, psychology, pedagogy, income generation and nutrition, guiding each family according to its needs. This work strengthened bonds and reaffirmed the project’s commitment to accessibility, listening and holistic care.

At the construction sites, a model of psychosocial care in the workplace was implemented. In this setting, we found that many workers faced emotional vulnerability, food insecurity and difficulties in accessing their rights.

In total, 496 people were impacted, and we made formal referrals to public health services, social assistance and the rights protection system. The experience brought important lessons and reinforced our commitment to high-quality care, capable of producing concrete effects in people’s lives.

We claimed our space

Advocating for childhood is also a central part of our mission. In 2025, we worked to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood care, ensuring that children grow up in healthy environments with full opportunities for development. In partnership with Fundação Maria Cecília Souto Vidigal, we took part in the Agosto Verde (Green August) campaign, which promoted relevant debates about this stage of life. During the same period, we relaunched a booklet for caregivers and care professionals, covering essential topics in child development.

Along the same lines, Vera Oliveira, IC’s executive director, took part in the Executive Leadership Program in Early Childhood Development, an initiative of Núcleo Ciência pela Infância aimed at training leaders committed to transforming public policy in Brazil. Vera also attended the Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century course, part of the Young Global Leaders program, for which she was selected in 2024. The program brought together 65 leaders from different sectors, such as politics, the third sector and startups, to discuss the challenges of leadership in the 21st century and how to expand their impact on the world.

For IC, being present in these spaces is a very powerful opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences. “These environments, where we take part as individuals but also as an organization, greatly contribute to building public policies that work better for citizens. And they place the institute in a position to coordinate with other bodies, whether in government or other organizations,” says Vera.

Paloma Costa, our institutional relations manager, also represents IC in defending children’s rights. She is a member of the Municipal Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents and says that being part of such a relevant council makes a difference. “For Instituto C, this presence is essential: it broadens our vision, strengthens our work and places us in a space where we can advocate, with grounding and legitimacy, for the needs of the families we serve,” she says.

A year of many dreams come true

Looking back on IC’s journey this year fills us with pride: we achieved milestones we had dreamed of for a long time. We turned 14, and with that came many gifts. One of them was appearing on national television for the first time, on the show Domingão com Huck, and shortly afterwards receiving the news that we had been selected for Criança Esperança.

We earned seals and certifications that reinforce the seriousness of our work. For the 9th consecutive time, we were among the 100 Best NGOs in Brazil, and we were recognized with the Autism-Friendly Seal, the Human Rights Seal and the Racial Equality Seal, each of which represents the pillars we have worked on over all these years. We also received CEBAS (Certification of Charitable Social Assistance Entities), a certification that officially recognizes our work in this field.

A lot happened, and all of it is the result of the dedication of every person who committed to supporting IC and the families we serve. At this moment, we also remember our team, an essential part of this growth and of every achievement.

In 2026, we want to keep growing and reaping the rewards of such a valuable year. There is a lot ahead, but we are ready for this new phase and eager to serve more families and multiply care.

To close this special cycle, administrative director Diego Schultz left a message for the team. “My sincere thanks to this incredible team, who dedicate themselves every day to Instituto C’s mission and make the organization happen, even in the face of the greatest challenges. It is thanks to this collective commitment that we keep moving forward, growing, learning and expanding our impact.”

To look back on such an intense year full of achievements, watch our 2025 video and walk with us along the paths that care has helped transform.

The culture of giving is a collective construction that brings together values and practices encouraging individuals and companies to contribute voluntarily to social, environmental, cultural, and other causes. Social awareness and collective engagement awaken giving as a natural behavior, making this gesture part of our responsibility as a society.

We are among the most generous countries in the world, reflecting how Brazilians are always willing to help one another. A 2024 survey by the Institute for the Development of Social Investment (IDIS) found that individual donations in Brazil reached R$24.3 billion last year. The survey analyzed institutional monetary donations made to NGOs, campaigns, or socio-environmental projects.

João Paulo Vergueiro, Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at Giving Tuesday, notes that Latin Americans have a cultural inclination toward generosity: “In general, our Latin American and Caribbean populations are very generous. We have a culture of solidarity within families, communities, churches, clubs, neighborhood associations, and samba schools.”

Other data from the survey help us understand the donation landscape in Brazil. For example, the average annual individual donation increased from R$300 in 2022 to R$480 in 2024. Many donors adopt a strategic approach: 83% seek information before contributing, and 86% carefully choose the causes they support.

Barriers to Giving

For social organizations that rely on donations to operate, there is still potential to attract more contributors. João Paulo explains that people tend to donate to causes close to their lives, such as health, education, and childhood. This “closeness” helps to sensitize donors.

The IDIS survey also shows that people donate more in emergencies, like the tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul in 2024. Extreme events mobilized half of Brazil’s population to give last year, but also raised concerns about fraud. With so many collection points, it became hard to distinguish between scams and legitimate causes—a constant concern for donors.

Paloma Costa, Institutional Relationship Manager at Instituto C, observes how distrust still affects donations: “This generalized distrust creates an emotional and rational barrier when donating. Transparency, accountability, and clear communication are essential to rebuild trust.”

Another challenge is fostering a sense of collective responsibility, encouraging people to contribute to societal development. Organizations like Instituto C address this through content that informs and demonstrates how the nonprofit sector positively impacts families.

Encouraging Generosity

Promoting giving as a continuous action is challenging but achievable through initiatives that show its impact on beneficiaries’ lives. Donating also shares a privilege one once received, helping reduce inequalities.

Ideally, donations should become part of a person’s life, like a monthly priority, reflecting causes that impact social well-being. Paloma emphasizes, “It’s crucial to show people that by contributing, they are not only helping temporarily but expanding access to rights that many lack, transforming solidarity into active citizenship.”

One way to integrate giving into daily life is through tax incentive laws, like donating part of income tax to sports, social, and cultural projects, or programs like Nota Fiscal Paulista, which allow contributions to registered organizations. Raising awareness about such initiatives encourages donations.

Giving Benefits Everyone

Donating has many benefits, including for the donor. João Paulo reflects, “The act of giving fulfills the donor because they know they are sharing the responsibility to make a difference in society.”

In English, the phrase “give back” captures this sentiment. In Portuguese, it reflects gratitude for the chance to positively impact the lives of people and institutions in need. Overall, donating creates a sense of satisfaction and happiness, as research confirms. “Giving tends to make people feel more at peace with themselves and the society, understanding that they are doing their part for a better world,” says João.

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global initiative promoting generosity and the culture of giving. This year, it takes place on December 2nd, when organizations and individuals mobilize to collect donations for specific causes or NGOs working on diverse issues.

João Paulo is a pioneer of Giving Tuesday in Brazil, recognizing it as one of the countries where the movement has spread most. Campaigns operate in various ways, through organizations or community-led initiatives. The current challenge is to reach more people and “break the nonprofit bubble.”

Collective mobilization is already making a difference and will continue to do so. João emphasizes, “Giving Tuesday is about generosity, about doing good. Every form of generosity is valid on this day, and you can express it in any way as long as it does good.”

At Instituto C, we invite you to join us this Giving Tuesday to help hack inequalities and expand care for hundreds of families. At IC, we remove obstacles preventing vulnerable families from achieving full citizenship, such as lack of access to information about rights, absence of support networks, and low self-esteem. Click the button below to learn how to donate.

Entrepreneurship among women in peripheral communities is growing stronger and shows just how much this type of work has transformed families. Women are investing in different areas to create their own businesses, especially in the neighborhoods where they live, where the demand for services comes from within the community itself. In 2024 alone, women accounted for 34% of entrepreneurs in sectors such as services, commerce, and technology across the country. In favelas, women lead 60% of enterprises, according to research by Investe Favela.

For mothers, entrepreneurship provides the opportunity to manage their own work schedules, which is especially important for those caring for atypical children. At Instituto C, many entrepreneurial mothers balance caring for their children with autonomous work. Despite the obstacles, they achieve financial independence and regain self-esteem through their work at home. This also strengthens the family, as mothers gain access to new opportunities and resources.

Challenges of Entrepreneurship in Peripheral Areas

Even with the growth of entrepreneurship among women in peripheral communities, many still face barriers that hinder professional growth. According to our income analysts Carol and Giovana, one of the biggest challenges they face is limited access to financial resources, especially for entrepreneurs in the food and beauty sectors, who need to invest in order to see positive results.

Lack of access to the necessary knowledge to formalize a business is another obstacle. One of our roles is to provide information so women understand their rights as entrepreneurs, whether through registering as a MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur) or other public initiatives.

Moreover, entrepreneurship is very common in peripheral areas, which creates strong competition among entrepreneurs. This requires women to find new ways to develop their businesses to stand out and reach their audiences.

It is also important to remember that many mothers start businesses out of necessity, not always choice, which can prevent them from seeing themselves as entrepreneurs. This necessity stems from needing income while maintaining flexibility. “It’s not about an entrepreneurial mindset; it’s about vulnerability,” explains Giovana.

Income Generation at Instituto C

Our Income Area listens to these entrepreneurial mothers, and many inspiring stories pass through here. Businesses range from selling cakes to creating educational toys through crafts and working as nail designers. Many women turn hobbies into a source of income.

“The Income Area at Instituto C helps families identify strategies and possibilities for financial health and income growth,” explains Giovana Santos, income analyst at the Institute. With guidance from our team, mothers share experiences and receive advice on MEI registration, income transfer benefits, organization, and access to technical and higher education courses.

Carol Fontes, also an income analyst, emphasizes that women’s drive to generate their own income often comes from the responsibilities of maintaining a routine that requires flexibility, as they are often the primary caregivers in their families.

Mothers Who Saw Entrepreneurship as an Opportunity

Nathalia Stephanie, who lives with her daughter, is an example of a woman who combined a dream with work. She took a manicure course at Instituto C (in partnership with Acciona), which sparked her passion for the field and became a source of income. In a competitive market, Nathalia distinguished herself by offering home services, gradually reaching more clients in her neighborhood. Today, she works from her home studio and also teaches courses.

By boosting other women’s self-esteem, Nathalia found that the beauty industry allowed her to transform her family’s life and redefine how she sees herself as a woman. “Sometimes it’s just a nail, but it’s always more than that. My profession gave me faith and hope, and I pass that on to my clients,” she emphasizes.

Similarly, Fátima Regina, who also lives with her daughter, found entrepreneurship through hairdressing. During the pandemic, she had to reinvent herself when salons closed, starting a new business selling books online. Passionate about reading, and inspired by her siblings who also sell books, Fátima now has a collection of around 2,000 donated books and views her business as a way to expand her knowledge.

New Perspectives in Entrepreneurship

Vanessa Ferreira, a mother of two, turned her love of crafts into income. She creates everything from decorative cakes to educational toys and works from her home studio. Vanessa also sells mini donuts for extra income, finding that her craft work helps her occupy her mind, express creativity, and take care of herself. “While I’m working, I’m not just Vanessa, the mother; I’m myself, useful and able to express ideas,” she explains.

Natália Alves, mother of two daughters, runs a family business with her husband, selling clothing and baked goods. She appreciates the flexibility entrepreneurship provides, allowing her to care for her children, even bringing them along when needed. For atypical mothers, work must adapt to the routines of both them and their children.

“A Sense of Empowerment”

Entrepreneurship strengthens these mothers and fosters a sense of community beyond business. At Instituto C, many mothers navigate caregiving challenges while caring for their children’s health. Having their own business gives them a new perspective, helping them see themselves not just as caregivers but as women deserving of care and opportunity. “Many atypical mothers don’t have partners, so they need to believe in their potential and that they can live fully,” reinforces Natalia.

Despite the challenges, entrepreneurial women feel fulfilled and believe this path is possible for many mothers. Fátima adds, “Entrepreneurship is a leap, but for me, it’s more important to have freedom with my time and to do things when I want. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”

The end of the year arrives as a real breath of fresh air and a reminder that we should dream and renew our wishes for the next cycle. Dreaming is like fuel that keeps us believing life can bring us good things. But for those living in the peripheries, holding on to that outlook becomes harder when other worries stand in the way.

At Instituto C, we work together so that families on the peripheries can keep dreaming and also make those wishes come true. It is important that they do not merely survive amid the daily rush, but are also able to envision and achieve what they want, and with knowledge of their rights and guidance, that path becomes less winding.

Greater accessibility, the opportunity to study and owning their own property are part of many families’ dreams. With this in mind, and from the perspective of residents of São Paulo’s peripheries, Thais Gomes and Nicolie Barbosa, Design students at PUC-SP, set out to answer the question “what does it mean to dream in the periphery?” and spoke with mothers and children served at IC’s North Zone Hub, who moved us with every answer.

As residents of the periphery themselves, Thais and Nicolie have always lived the duality of resisting and dreaming amid chaos, which is how the idea of bringing this theme into their project came about. “Our idea for our final undergraduate project came from a conversation we had last year, in which we talked about how privileged we were to be able to dream despite the reality we grew up in, in the periphery — and how many people in the same reality don’t have that opportunity,” says Thais.

For Nicolie, who studies at PUC through the University for All Program (PROUNI), this was a way of giving the will to dream back to people living in peripheral areas. “I always say that the place where I was born, Capão Redondo, is a dream factory. We are a generation of dreamers who see hope beyond where we come from. I carry that hope with me, even in the face of the adversities I faced on my way to university,” she says.

What is it like to dream with your mind in many places?

Achieving a dream is a moment worth celebrating, but it means different things to each person. For many mothers, the dream has their children’s faces: more safety, education, health and opportunities they themselves never had. Even in moments when they can let their imagination run free in countless ways, they keep thinking of dreams that would bring good moments to everyone around them. And for many children, the dream is the window through which they see a world that goes beyond the narrow streets they know.

In the periphery, dreaming is not just an automatic everyday exercise. It is also something built piece by piece: cutouts of wishes and small victories. That is why the activity Thais and Nicolie proposed was for the families to make collages with images representing their dreams. There, imagination flowed, and cutouts appeared of trips, cars, motorcycles and even cures for illnesses that afflict their lives.

Faced with a heavy routine, this imaginary world is what helps sustain hope and creates new possibilities. Although it should not be this way, having time to dream sometimes becomes a privilege, and that is what strengthens families on different fronts: it helps them see paths where real life has not yet reached, builds self-esteem and places people at the center of their own story, and rebuilds a sense of the future, which is often worn down by a lack of opportunities.

Studying: a dream for children and adults alike

The busy routine of caring for their children means many mothers cannot find time to pursue their own dreams. When asked, many of them spoke about wanting to finish their studies and go to university, like Vilma, who shared that this is one of her dreams: “I really want to go to college, but I never had that little push. For me, it’s the biggest dream of my life.”

Through children’s eyes, dreaming also becomes a way of imagining a change of life for themselves and their families. They carry the desire to transform their reality through a profession, and fortunately some of them already know what makes their hearts beat faster: “saving lives. Being a doctor,” is Alan’s dream.

The right to dream

In childhood, imagination travels to the most diverse places; this is when the world becomes a place of infinite possibilities. But when limitations are imposed, it is as if a barrier were built between that child and everything they could still become.

Like Alan, many children dream of pursuing professions that make their eyes light up, but reaching those dreams is only possible when the conditions to achieve them exist. Quality education and a safe space to develop fully are the right of every child, and we must fight to make this a reality.

Adults also need this fuel to keep believing their wishes can come true. “I think it’s never too late to dream,” says Cristiane, showing that there is no right age for dreaming, and that all it takes are the possibilities and opportunities to make it real.

Dreams that inspire

Thais, who lives near Brasilândia, where our North Zone Hub is located, says that the exchange with the mothers and children was very enriching and broadened her perspective on dreaming, an act that, however simple, also changes realities. “For me, it was a truly transformative experience: being able to listen to other people’s stories, seeing how a dream is something simple and optimistic through children’s eyes, and how it also stays alive in the mothers,” she says.

Nicolie, in turn, recognizes that her dreams are also what drive hope, and that telling other people’s dreams is a way of seeing the reality of the peripheries from different perspectives. “It was moving to see how everyone looked up when they talked about dreams and how their eyes sparkled during the collages. The final video is just a small piece of what this experience was. The greatest impact lies in what the process brought to us and to those who took part in it,” the student recalls.

To learn more about Thais and Nicolie’s work and understand how dreams can be an important bridge for people living in the peripheries, click here and watch the full video with testimonials from some of the mothers and children served by IC.

This October, Instituto C celebrates 14 years of a journey born from the desire to transform lives through social impact. In 2011, the project took shape with the resources available at the time, and the following year, services began—inside a garage in the Santa Cecília neighborhood. Today, Instituto C has supported more than 6,000 families through comprehensive care provided by services in nutrition, psychology, income generation, pedagogy, and rights advocacy.

Over the years, the Institute has undergone many transformations—expanding projects, strengthening partnerships, facing challenges, and reinventing itself every day to continue working with impact and responsibility. And during this entire time, more than 24,000 people have had their lives transformed by the work of our team. Likewise, every person who works here has also been impacted by the daily contact with families.

Those who have been here long enough have followed this trajectory closely, and they have much to share. That’s why we invited some of them to talk about this impact and share meaningful moments they have experienced with Instituto C and how their stories intertwine with its own.

From a personal dream to a collective cause

Looking back at everything Instituto C has built sparks deep pride—especially for those who planted the first seed. Vera Oliveira, founder and executive director of IC, recalls with emotion the day she opened the doors of the garage and took the first step toward turning her dream into reality.

She remembers having her family and close friends by her side—people who had listened to her doubts throughout the process:
“It was very special to see so many important people gathered there, believing in a dream, and I was genuinely happy about the start of a new path that represented the fulfillment of a project that came from the heart… I had no idea where it would lead, but it was enough to know I was contributing to a better world,” she says.

Today, she reflects on how this journey has also transformed her own life:
“I was just a girl when Instituto C began, and today I have my own family, a new perspective on the Institute, and it truly feels like a dream that becomes more possible every day,” Vera reflects.

For her, choosing a single meaningful moment from these 14 years is nearly impossible. Among the milestones she holds dearly are the move to the headquarters in Vila Buarque, the first time Instituto C received the Best NGOs award, and the expansion to the North Zone of São Paulo. Each of these achievements strengthened the IC mission and expanded access to care in territories that still struggle to access public policies.

A path built by those who practice comprehensive care

Many of the transformations over the years are reflected in Instituto C’s methodology. For those who work daily in direct service, there is something that has never changed: the focus on development, the commitment to network collaboration, and the approach centered on active listening. These pillars placed IC among the 100 best NGOs in Brazil for eight consecutive years.

Kátia Moretti is an example of someone who grew professionally within the Institute. She joined as a psychology intern in the income generation program and today is the project manager, leading the technical teams across the centers. For her, many moments have impacted her over nine years at IC, but the closing group sessions—when families complete their program—are always the most emotional:
“Those moments show the real impact of our work on the lives of each person who spent time with us,” she says.

Instituto C has a multidisciplinary team dedicated to welcoming each family’s story uniquely, as it should be, so that they can reach autonomy. Kátia says this individualized care is what touches her the most—whether in interactions with families or within the technical team. It’s no coincidence that the “C” in our name also stands for care.

Stories that intertwine with Instituto C

Flávia Almeida, administrative coordinator, is another person whose growth mirrors the Institute’s own evolution. For her, Instituto C is a transformative and fulfilling place to work. Having been part of the team since her internship, she says the experience has allowed her to better understand the vulnerabilities present in society—especially in the lives of children living with chronic illnesses and of neurodivergent mothers.

After so many years observing the organization’s development, Flávia’s eyes still light up when she talks about her journey. “I joined as a girl and today I’m a woman with many responsibilities, leading a team of very different people. Every day I learn more, I mature more, and I become more aware of the space I occupy at IC,” she says.

She notes that the impact of this journey extends far beyond her professional life. The work she does and the relationships she builds daily have deeply shaped her personal life as well. Without realizing it, Instituto C became intertwined with her story. During her years here, she got married, bought a home, bought a car, and became a mother—able now to provide her daughter with a better life. Each of these achievements carries the mark of a place that has become so meaningful.

Paloma Costa, institutional relations manager, also highlights many personal milestones since joining the Institute, where she found stability and growth. She shares that the expansion to the North Zone was an especially happy and symbolic moment. Raised in Brasilândia—the region where our center is located—by a single mother who worked tirelessly to raise three children with dignity, Paloma felt this moment deeply.

“Being part of Instituto C’s arrival in Brasilândia meant so much. It felt like giving back to my community the kind of care my mother and so many other women never had access to,” she recalls.

She reflects on how essential a support network like IC is for so many families—and how the absence of such a network shaped her mother’s life when she and her siblings were children. “There was no space like Instituto C, a place that welcomes, guides, and supports women in their many journeys. Watching my mother face everything almost alone left deep marks on me and shaped what I believe social transformation truly is,” she shares.

The future we continue dreaming together

Much has changed—and much will continue to change—but on anniversaries like this, our hopes are renewed and a path full of possibilities becomes visible. For Vera, the wish for the coming years is that Instituto C continues to strengthen its role within the social assistance field, becoming a leading reference in intersectoral work and in a holistic, person-centered approach as a real strategy to fight poverty.

Kátia hopes the Institute can reach even more families and impact more lives, by strengthening existing centers and expanding into new territories. Her wish is that we continue supporting families toward long-term autonomy, transforming realities in a sustainable way. Flávia shares the same hope, wishing for continuous growth and improvement of IC’s practices to generate more social impact.

Paloma adds:
“My greatest wish is for this work to reach many more families, with a financially sustainable model, and that, just like me, many people may have the chance to achieve their dreams.”

As it completes 14 years, Instituto C reaffirms its commitment to comprehensive care, family strengthening, and building sustainable pathways out of poverty.

We continue to believe that care transforms—and that, together, we can transform even more stories.

October is Children’s Month, and although we would love to talk about the joys of childhood during development, the reality is still far from ideal. Even though conditions have improved in recent years, in Brazil, 28.8 million children and adolescents still live in multidimensional poverty. This is the result of inequalities in different areas—such as health, education, and access to leisure—that directly affect their lives.

It is within this context that we work with hundreds of families so that this number decreases and more children can grow up in a healthy way. Nayara Oliveira, institutional psychologist at Instituto C, emphasizes that the organization is committed to caring for children as a whole, which also includes the well-being of their caregivers: “Addressing childhood inequalities means providing comprehensive care—for children, families, and especially for those who care for them. Our work begins with attentive listening and the strengthening of primary caregivers, who are mostly single mothers and grandmothers responsible for daily care,” she explains.

Just like Instituto C, ChildFund Brasil also works with the purpose of empowering lives and reducing inequalities. Mauricio Cunha, CEO of the organization, reflects on how deeply poverty shapes children’s lives: “Childhood is a decisive period for physical, emotional, and cognitive development, and poverty compromises this process in profound and lasting ways.”

Professionals who work with children daily have an even clearer view of how inequalities affect different areas of their lives. Renata Souza, a psychologist at Instituto C, explains how a lack of resources can affect cognitive development. “Often, when we talk about poverty, we’re talking about children who don’t even have access to school or to adequate food… Which means they won’t be able to concentrate in the spaces they attend,” she explains.

It is essential to listen to what children have to say

One of the most sensitive aspects of working with children in vulnerable situations is addressing topics that affect their lives without diminishing their pain. This is part of Renata’s work, and she explains that she always tries to adapt themes to a child-friendly language so that they can understand and ask questions.

According to Renata, adults tend to normalize many things and stop questioning them, while children remain curious and sensitive. They understand what is fair and unfair, and they grasp the meaning of rights and responsibilities. When discussing topics such as social inequality, the psychologist says it is important to open a dialogue and listen to the stories children share—whether about themselves or their peers.

Education is also undoubtedly one of the most powerful tools for transforming realities. ChildFund understands that education—together with protection and family support—expands horizons and prepares children to break cycles of exclusion and vulnerability. “Education is present in our methodologies not as tutoring or formal instruction, but through activities related to financial education, life skills, play, and the encouragement and practice of reading,” says Mauricio.

Everything begins with public policies

Despite advancements in public policies for families in situations of social vulnerability—such as Bolsa Família and the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC) for people with disabilities—we are still taking slow steps toward eradicating poverty and reducing inequality.

Instituto C understands that accessing rights is one of the key ways to reduce barriers faced by families. Nayara considers that progress has been made in designing protection and income transfer programs, such as the creation of the National Care Policy, which promotes shared social responsibility—and shared responsibility between men and women—in providing care, considering multiple inequalities. But it is still necessary to invest in sustainability and continuous funding for care and social protection policies, so that care ceases to be a private burden and becomes public infrastructure.

For ChildFund, actions such as proper funding for child-focused policies—especially in rural and peripheral areas—the strengthening of social protection networks with a focus on preventing physical, psychological, sexual, and institutional violence, and offering support to families, must be priorities when caring for children.

Furthermore, addressing the inequalities that affect childhood is only possible when public policies recognize care as both a right and a collective responsibility.

The collective responsibility to protect children

Just as Instituto C and ChildFund Brasil work in this mission, many other organizations also dedicate themselves daily to ensuring that children can develop free of barriers—but with collective effort, this mission becomes lighter. The public sector and social organizations play important roles in reducing childhood inequalities, but civil society is also an essential and indispensable ally in guaranteeing children’s rights.

During this Children’s Month, it is important to reinforce the invitation for everyone to take an active role in defending children’s rights—after all, this is a collective responsibility. This mobilization can begin with listening to and involving children and adolescents in discussions, and by valuing childhood as a priority. Only then can we ensure that future generations live in the best way possible.

The guarantee of social rights begins with the information each person receives, and this is strongly connected to the territory they belong to. It is in these places where people face daily challenges, build relationships, and where they should also find the support needed to overcome situations of vulnerability. Instituto C understands that coordination among the social assistance network within the territories is what strengthens families through proper guidance and services.

It is important to understand that no service operates alone, and we need this integration to know how to guide each person according to their needs and the appropriate service that can support them. In the North Zone, where one of our centers is located, we can see in practice how this works and how it has made a difference.

In the Brasilândia region, the most populous neighborhood in the North Zone, the effects of inequality and vulnerability are strongly present. For this reason, CRAS, CREAS, UBS units, UPAs, and civil society organizations work collectively to meet some of the residents’ needs. After all, they share a common goal: ensuring social protection, health, inclusion, and dignity for all people.

Exchange of experiences and collective learning

Network meetings are moments of coordination among services and organizations, enabling important discussions and reflections on topics that influence the work of professionals. In one of the meetings, held at Instituto C in August, representatives from various services were present, including Rogério Andrade, from the LGBTI+ Citizenship Center Luana Barbosa dos Reis, which supports victims of LGBTphobia or people in situations of vulnerability.

Rogério reflected on the importance of sharing experiences from each service and how this helps the entire network handle different demands: “The struggles are very similar across the various services. It’s useful to think about which strategies can be shared so we can understand what works in my service that might help others deal with similar situations.”

Another institution in the network that works with young people is Espro. Luciano Duarte, a social coordinator, explains the value of this exchange: “The purpose of network coordination is precisely to allow us to do collective work with families. And then we are truly able to change their reality.”

The strength of the network lies precisely in how these services communicate. At Instituto C, one of our main approaches to guiding families toward autonomy is ensuring that they have access to information and understand their own rights. We also do this by referring them to services that can address the issues they bring to us.

Building a relationship of care

At Instituto C, based on our experiences, we understand that social change begins with listening and welcoming, so we can identify needs and coordinate with the network responsible for implementing public policies. This is why coordination among services is not merely a technical requirement of the Unified Social Assistance System (SUAS), but also a necessity for public policies to be integrated and effective in people’s lives.

“When we open ourselves up to listening to people, we begin to understand their stories and needs. That is why network work with the services is one of our pillars, because in the end, these connections are what allow public policies to become real paths of transformation in the lives of those who need them most,” explains Katia Moretti, Instituto C’s project manager.

In the daily work of our technical team, they observe how important it is to view the network through a collaborative lens. Suellen Claudino, a psychologist at the institute, explains that when we manage to work together—by making contact with CRAS, UBS units, schools, and other assistance services—we become a reference in the territory, and the work with families becomes much more effective.

Additionally, this collective coordination and attentive listening help break some of the fears and hesitations people may have when accessing services. “Families are not always well received when they are referred to assistance services, which can create a sort of barrier. When that happens, our role is to accompany the family, guide them, and say, ‘You can go—they will welcome you. You will be supported and strengthened, and we will be working together,’” Suellen shares.

When CRAS, CREAS, CAPS, UBS units, schools, community groups, and local leaders see themselves as part of a dynamic and collaborative network, it becomes possible to build more effective paths for protecting families in situations of social vulnerability. Real change only happens when the public sector, civil society, and the active participation of those who live in the territory work together.

One of the public policies that brings Brazilians the most pride turns 35 today: the SUS. The Unified Health System (SUS) is one of the largest and most complex public health systems in the world, and through it, people living in Brazil have access to comprehensive healthcare, from pregnancy and throughout their entire lives.

Before SUS, health was not yet treated as a right for all, and the Brazilian healthcare system did not reach the entire population, excluding a significant portion of it. Access was mainly limited to people employed with a formal work contract, through the National Institute of Medical Assistance of Social Security (INAMPS). Those who did not contribute to social security had very restricted access to healthcare, usually through philanthropic organizations.

It was only with the beginning of Brazil’s redemocratization process and the 1988 Constitution that health began to be viewed with the importance it deserved. Article 196 of the Constitution states that “Health is the right of all and the duty of the State,” marking an important milestone that, shortly afterwards, led to the creation of a public and free healthcare system for the entire population.

Principles and functioning of SUS

SUS was officially created in 1990 through Laws No. 8.080 and 8.142, known as the Organic Health Laws, which established the system’s guidelines and structure. Currently, the system operates through three main bodies that ensure its functioning for the population.

The Ministry of Health serves as the national manager, formulating, regulating, monitoring, and evaluating policies and actions in coordination with the National Health Council. The State Health Secretariat helps develop health policies and actions, supporting municipalities in coordination with the state council, while the Municipal Health Secretariat works with the municipal council and the state level to approve and implement the municipal health plan.

Additionally, three principles form the foundation of SUS:

Universality: Health as a citizenship right for all, with the State responsible for ensuring this right. Access to services must be guaranteed to everyone, regardless of gender, race, or other personal or social characteristics.

Equity: Even though access to healthcare is guaranteed to all, people are not the same and therefore require different types of care according to their individual needs. This principle aims to reduce inequalities by properly treating people who need special care.

Comprehensiveness: The integration of actions such as health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation helps the population lead healthier lives. This principle refers to the articulation of the healthcare network with other public policies across different areas to improve individuals’ quality of life.

Achievements of SUS over the years

Considered one of the best and most comprehensive health systems in the world, SUS stands out in several areas that make Brazil a reference. One example is the National Immunization Program (PNI), which offers free and large-scale vaccinations to eliminate or control diseases such as polio, measles, diphtheria, and tetanus, among many others that were once major public health concerns in the country.

Other highlights include the free distribution of several medications, including high-cost ones. Treatment for HIV/AIDS and chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension is also provided to the population.

A great example of prevention and continuous care that yields results is the Family Health Strategy (ESF), which operates under the primary care model. This is also recognized by professionals who serve people using these services, such as Giovana Santos, a social worker at Instituto C, who considers the ESF a benchmark program.

“The Family Health Strategy has several functions, such as providing comprehensive and personalized care. It looks after the population’s health considering social, physical, and emotional aspects, not just the illness itself. Through health promotion and disease prevention, the Family Health Strategy aims to carry out pedagogical actions within communities,” Giovana highlights.

Beatriz Martins, a nutritionist at the Institute, also emphasizes the teamwork involved in this approach: “The teams work in an integrated way, which promotes broader access and strengthens the connection between families and health units. It is a highly successful policy.”

Little-known SUS services

Beyond the widely known services such as primary care at UBS units or urgent care at UPAs, SUS is also present in areas that are part of Brazilians’ daily lives. One of these is sanitary surveillance, carried out by the National Sanitary Surveillance System (SNVS), which inspects products, services, and environments to prevent health risks.

For those who cannot travel to a health facility, SUS offers the “Better at Home” program, which sends a team to patients’ homes. To access it, the patient must be referred by another team within the Healthcare Network (RAS), whether from a hospital, Primary Healthcare (APS), or emergency care.

Rehabilitation is also part of SUS, which provides prostheses, wheelchairs, and other resources for people with disabilities. Additionally, it maintains Specialized Rehabilitation Centers (CER), which offer multidisciplinary follow-up. To access these services, patients must seek a UBS.

Challenges of the system

Despite its well-deserved recognition, SUS still faces many challenges, mainly related to public management and the misadministration of health resources. This directly affects everyone who needs its services, who often face long waiting times or barriers to access.

For Giovana, focusing on preventive care is more effective within the public system: “If the public resources allocated to SUS focused on care, prevention, and health promotion, fewer people would become ill, require hospitalization, or need expensive exams and medications,” she reflects.

Geographic location also remains a barrier preventing people from receiving certain types of care, as many hospitals and more complex treatments are located in large cities. “Some populations living in remote or distant regions have difficulty accessing these services. And richer capitals have faster and broader access,” explains Beatriz.

In this context of limited access, social organizations are strong allies in connecting people to health services that are their right.

Social organizations as allies of SUS and the population

Instituto C and many other organizations act as tools that connect people to services. Our technical team provides support to numerous families with children receiving treatment through SUS, working to make the process more accessible through clear information.

“At the Institute, for example, we reinforce the political role of the families we serve. Considering the Institute and other NGOs I know, I believe they are all very aligned with the idea of social rights,” Giovana emphasizes. In addition to organizations working with families outside healthcare facilities, community organizing within local territories is also essential to ensure the system’s principles continue to be upheld.

One of these organizations’ key roles is working in territories that lack more active services, as Beatriz points out: “They play a very important role in expanding access, especially in regions where the Unified Health System cannot reach.”

The work we do at Instituto C—alongside many other dedicated organizations—is also a way of strengthening SUS and ensuring people can exercise their health rights.

Now, we want to take this care and this bridge between families and health services even further, and we will do so by expanding our work to a new municipality. With a contribution starting at 10 reais, you can take part in this transformation and help us reach new families. Click the image and join us in taking this next step!