early childhood brazil-c-Tuane Fernandes

Story

In Brazil, providing a safe space for children to learn and flourish

In Brazil, a national programme to open more pre-schools and nurseries, known as Proinfância, was launched in 2007. The city of Atibaia in the Brazilian state of São Paulo is known for its floriculture. And that’s where the kindergarten Professora Hermínia Salarolli dos Santos Bacci (Mima Bacci) was inaugurated in February 2022. Located in a rural neighborhood called Tanque, the school hosts 160 students from 0 to 5 years old.

Thirty minutes away from Mima Bacci is another school named Professora Maria José Borges Russomanno in the Jardim das Cerejeiras neighborhood. The school serves 360 children from 0 to 5 years old.

early childhood brazil-c-Tuane Fernandes
One-year-old Ravi Tomazin plays in the school nursery.
early childhood brazil-c-Tuane Fernandes
Three-year-old Dom Kaluanã looking at pictures in a book in the school library.

For me, education requires respect of babies and children. It means believing in the power of play. Offer affection and you’ll receive twice as much in return. You have to believe in the child as actor. It's a learning curve for me every day. You have to have faith in humanity!

Vanessa Cardeal Oliveira Moreno, a pedagogical coordinator and teacher.
early childhood brazil-c-Tuane Fernandes
Four-year-old Samuel learning about flowers and vegetables in the school’s garden.
early childhood brazil-c-Tuane Fernandes

I have been working in the area of education for more than twenty years, where I feel professionally fulfilled. “Through every smile and teardrop, the slightest of the children’s achievements brings me such joy and certainty that teaching and nurturing in a human way is the best way to achieve quality education.

Lucia Helena Fumani, Mina Bacci school Director
early childhood brazil-c-Tuane Fernandes
early childhood brazil-c-Tuane Fernandes

This story is part of a photo exhibition that will be showcased at the World Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education from 14 to 16 November 2022 Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The Conference will reaffirm the right of every young child to quality care and education from birth. It will urge Member States to expand their commitment and investment in ensuring that access of all girls and boys to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.