Our History
Since its inception in 2007, the Fundação Maria Cecília Souto Vidigal has been dedicated to ensuring the full development of Brazilian children during their first few years of life so that they can enjoy a healthy and stimulating childhood, with their rights guaranteed.
Our Foundation’s journey began as a tribute to the memory of Maria Cecília, who passed away at age 13 from leukemia. Her parents, banker Gastão Eduardo de Bueno Vidigal and his wife, Maria Cecília Souto Vidigal, established the Foundation in 1965.
Foundation Established
In memory of their daughter Maria Cecília, who passed away from leukemia at age 13, banker Gastão Eduardo de Bueno Vidigal and his wife founded the Maria Cecília Souto Vidigal Foundation to promote research and knowledge in hematology.
1965
Ampliação
The Foundation’s laboratory expanded its operations, offering various hematology courses and establishing a specialized library to support research and education in the field.
1970
Informação
Aiming to translate and disseminate scientific information, the Foundation conducted presentations within companies to raise awareness about HIV during a period when AIDS was largely misunderstood.
1989
Strategic Reflection
Considering its future relevance, the Foundation began exploring new focus areas. With scientific advancements in knowledge and treatments for cancer, discussions were initiated to identify new directions that could continue to benefit society.
2001
Renewal
Members of the second and third generations of the Souto Vidigal family prepared to take over the Foundation, focusing on adapting to contemporary societal needs. Their initiatives spanned education, health, and the environment.
2003
Development
Interest in early childhood development intensified after neuropediatrician Dr. Saul Cypel presented a robust scientific project on this critical life stage. The same year, the 1st International Workshop on Child Development was held.
2005
New Direction
The Foundation firmly established its commitment to early childhood development, driven by the understanding that experiences during the first six years of life profoundly impact individual and societal growth.
2007
Implementation
The initial phase of the ‘Programa Primeiríssima Infância’ (‘Early Childhood Program’) was launched and developed in collaboration with municipal governments across the state of São Paulo.
2009
Cooperation
The Foundation partnered with the ‘Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo’ (‘São Paulo Research Foundation’ / FAPESP) to launch calls for research proposals focused on early childhood development. This year also marked the first time the 4th International Workshop on Child Development was open to the general public.
2010
Translation
The Foundation became a key player in the ‘Núcleo Ciência Pela Infância’ (NCPI), a coalition formed with other national and international institutions to bridge science and society. The 1st International Symposium on Early Childhood Development was held.
2011
Training
Through the NCPI, the inaugural Executive Leadership Program in Early Childhood Development took place at Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA).
2012
Recognition
The ‘Programa São Paulo pela Primeiríssima Infância’ (‘São Paulo Program for Early Childhood’ / SPPI) was honored with the Alas Award by the International Development Bank in the Best Innovation category and also secured first place at the 4th State Forum on Health Promotion.
2014
Evolution
The Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary. This year was highlighted by the launch of the TV series “Quando tudo começa” (“When It All Begins”), produced in partnership with the Discovery Channel. Additionally, the NCPI introduced the ‘iLab Primeira Infância’ (‘Early Childhood iLab’), designed to foster science-driven social innovation.
2015
Consolidation
The Foundation’s values reached new audiences through the documentary “O começo da vida” (“The Beginning of Life”). The Legal Framework on Early Childhood was enacted, establishing laws that prioritize children up to six years old in program development and public policy formulation.
2016
Partnerships
The home visitation project in Boa Vista (Roraima, Brazil), developed with Saving Brains, progressed towards broader application. The Foundation endorsed the ‘Agenda Regional para o Desenvolvimento Integral na Primeira Infância na América Latina’ (‘Regional Agenda for Holistic Development in Early Childhood in Latin America’) international pact and entered into partnerships with the International Center for Journalists and the Dart Center at Columbia University (USA).
2017
New Cycles
The SPPI Program transitioned from a collaborative project with the São Paulo State Health Department to established public policy. In collaboration with the São Paulo local government, the Foundation helped launch the ‘Plano Municipal pela Primeira Infância’ (‘Municipal Plan for Early Childhood’).
2018
Looking to the Future
The Foundation defined its vision for Brazil’s future up to 2030, aligning its goals with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2019
Pandemic Challenges
Launch of the ‘Primeira Infância Primeiro’ (‘Early Childhood First’ / ‘PIP’) platform and the animated personality ‘Nenê do Zap,’ alongside initiatives to recognize and reward the efforts of professionals in early childhood education and home visitation.
2020
COVID-19 Impacts
New studies from the Foundation revealed an increase in educational disparities in preschools and a decline in children’s behavioral development during isolation. Initiatives launched include the #TáNaHoraDaEscola movement and the production of the series “Quanto Mais Cedo, Maior” (“The Earlier, the Better”), “Que corpo é esse” (“What Body is This?”), and "Primeiros anos" ("The Early Years").
2021
Election Year
The Foundation conducted new research on early childhood in the post-pandemic era, developed recommendations, and engaged with gubernatorial candidates to raise awareness. The animated character ‘Nenê do Zap’ was rebranded as ‘Nelson, o Nenê,’ expanding its reach.
2022
Mobilizing Leaders
The Foundation engaged with managers across all states and the federal government through a series of events and training sessions. It contributed to the Federal Government’s Council, developing guidelines for an Integrated National Policy for Early Childhood. August was designated as Early Childhood Month.
2023
Early Childhood First
The Council’s Early Childhood Working Group submitted its final report to the Department of Institutional Relations of the Presidency of Brazil on June 13th. On June 27th, President Lula signed a decree establishing guidelines for the creation of an Integrated National Policy for Early Childhood.
2024
1965
Foundation Established
In memory of their daughter Maria Cecília, who passed away from leukemia at age 13, banker Gastão Eduardo de Bueno Vidigal and his wife founded the Maria Cecília Souto Vidigal Foundation to promote research and knowledge in hematology.
1970
Expansion
The Foundation’s laboratory expanded its operations, offering various hematology courses and establishing a specialized library to support research and education in the field.
1989
Awareness Initiatives
Aiming to translate and disseminate scientific information, the Foundation conducted presentations within companies to raise awareness about HIV during a period when AIDS was largely misunderstood.
2001
Strategic Reflection
Considering its future relevance, the Foundation began exploring new focus areas. With scientific advancements in knowledge and treatments for cancer, discussions were initiated to identify new directions that could continue to benefit society.
2003
Renewal
Members of the second and third generations of the Souto Vidigal family prepared to take over the Foundation, focusing on adapting to contemporary societal needs. Their initiatives spanned education, health, and the environment.
2005
Development
Interest in early childhood development intensified after neuropediatrician Dr. Saul Cypel presented a robust scientific project on this critical life stage. The same year, the 1st International Workshop on Child Development was held.
2007
New Direction
The Foundation firmly established its commitment to early childhood development, driven by the understanding that experiences during the first six years of life profoundly impact individual and societal growth.
2009
Implementation
The initial phase of the ‘Programa Primeiríssima Infância’ (‘Early Childhood Program’) was launched and developed in collaboration with municipal governments across the state of São Paulo.
2010
Cooperation
The Foundation partnered with the ‘Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo’ (‘São Paulo Research Foundation’ / FAPESP) to launch calls for research proposals focused on early childhood development. This year also marked the first time the 4th International Workshop on Child Development was open to the general public.
2011
Translation
The Foundation became a key player in the ‘Núcleo Ciência Pela Infância’ (NCPI), a coalition formed with other national and international institutions to bridge science and society. The 1st International Symposium on Early Childhood Development was held.
2012
Training
Through the NCPI, the inaugural Executive Leadership Program in Early Childhood Development took place at Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA).
2014
Recognition
The ‘Programa São Paulo pela Primeiríssima Infância’ (‘São Paulo Program for Early Childhood’ / SPPI) was honored with the Alas Award by the International Development Bank in the Best Innovation category and also secured first place at the 4th State Forum on Health Promotion.
2015
Evolution
The Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary. This year was highlighted by the launch of the TV series “Quando tudo começa” (“When It All Begins”), produced in partnership with the Discovery Channel. Additionally, the NCPI introduced the ‘iLab Primeira Infância’ (‘Early Childhood iLab’), designed to foster science-driven social innovation.
2016
Consolidation
The Foundation’s values reached new audiences through the documentary “O começo da vida” (“The Beginning of Life”). The Legal Framework on Early Childhood was enacted, establishing laws that prioritize children up to six years old in program development and public policy formulation.
2017
Partnerships
The home visitation project in Boa Vista (Roraima, Brazil), developed with Saving Brains, progressed towards broader application. The Foundation endorsed the ‘Agenda Regional para o Desenvolvimento Integral na Primeira Infância na América Latina’ (‘Regional Agenda for Holistic Development in Early Childhood in Latin America’) international pact and entered into partnerships with the International Center for Journalists and the Dart Center at Columbia University (USA).
2018
New Cycles
The SPPI Program transitioned from a collaborative project with the São Paulo State Health Department to established public policy. In collaboration with the São Paulo local government, the Foundation helped launch the ‘Plano Municipal pela Primeira Infância’ (‘Municipal Plan for Early Childhood’).
2019
Looking to the Future
The Foundation defined its vision for Brazil’s future up to 2030, aligning its goals with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2020
Pandemic Challenges
Launch of the ‘Primeira Infância Primeiro’ (‘Early Childhood First’ / ‘PIP’) platform and the animated personality ‘Nenê do Zap,’ alongside initiatives to recognize and reward the efforts of professionals in early childhood education and home visitation.
2021
COVID-19 Impacts
New studies from the Foundation revealed an increase in educational disparities in preschools and a decline in children’s behavioral development during isolation. Initiatives launched include the #TáNaHoraDaEscola movement and the production of the series “Quanto Mais Cedo, Maior” (“The Earlier, the Better”), “Que corpo é esse” (“What Body is This?”), and "Primeiros anos" ("The Early Years").
2022
Election Year
The Foundation conducted new research on early childhood in the post-pandemic era, developed recommendations, and engaged with gubernatorial candidates to raise awareness. The animated character ‘Nenê do Zap’ was rebranded as ‘Nelson, o Nenê,’ expanding its reach.
2023
Mobilizing Leaders
The Foundation engaged with managers across all states and the federal government through a series of events and training sessions. It contributed to the Federal Government’s Council, developing guidelines for an Integrated National Policy for Early Childhood. August was designated as Early Childhood Month.
2024
Early Childhood First
The Council’s Early Childhood Working Group submitted its final report to the Department of Institutional Relations of the Presidency of Brazil on June 13th. On June 27th, President Lula signed a decree establishing guidelines for the creation of an Integrated National Policy for Early Childhood.
Our Values
Love for the Cause
Early Childhood First
Results
Committed to delivering outcomes with responsibility, transparency, and integrity.
Collaboration
Fostering integration and partnerships grounded in trust.
Balance
Blending excellence and innovation with commitment and ease.
Plurality
Upholding respect, inclusion, and impartiality in all our actions.
Team and Governance
Who are the dedicated individuals behind the Fundação Maria Cecília Souto Vidigal? Discover the team members, past and present, who contribute to the development of Brazilian children!
Board of Trustees
A governing body charged with making key decisions and overseeing the management of the Foundation’s assets.
Presidente do Conselho de Curadores
Presidente do Conselho de Curadores
Fiscal Board
Responsável pela auditoria de contas, compliance e gestão de risco do fundo patrimonial da Fundação
Presidente
Presidente
Investment Committee
Dedica-se a potencializar os recursos do fundo patrimonial, por meio de recomendações e perspectivas técnicas
Presidente
Presidente
Communication Committee
Órgão consultivo de apoio às ações da área de Comunicação na sensibilização da sociedade para a causa
Presidente
Presidente
Intelligence Committee
Conduct and Ethics Committee
Gerente de Controladoria
CEO
Gerente de Controladoria
CEO
Team
Quem trabalha no dia a dia para que as iniciativas da Fundação alcancem resultados incríveis
Analista de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Analista de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Analista de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Gerente de Políticas Públicas
Gerente de Controladoria
Gerente de Controladoria de Investimentos
Especialista em Digital na área de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Analista de Controladoria
Estagiário de Operações
Analista de Políticas Públicas
Estagiária de Operações
Estagiária de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Estagiária de Políticas Públicas
Analista de Projetos NCPI
Analista de Investimentos
Gerente de Políticas Públicas
Analista de Políticas Públicas
Diretor de Operações
Analista do Escritório de Projetos
Especialista em Gestão de Pessoas & Gov. Corporativa
Analista de Políticas Públicas
Analista de Políticas Públicas
Madrinha do Bem-estar
CEO
Diretora de Políticas Públicas
Líder de Portfólio do NCPI
Incentivador de conversa e brincadeiras
Diretora de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Analista de Políticas Públicas
Analista do Escritório de Projetos
Assistente Executiva
Líder de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Gerente de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Assessora Executiva
Analista de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Analista de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Analista de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Gerente de Políticas Públicas
Gerente de Controladoria
Gerente de Controladoria de Investimentos
Especialista em Digital na área de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Analista de Controladoria
Estagiário de Operações
Analista de Políticas Públicas
Estagiária de Operações
Estagiária de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Estagiária de Políticas Públicas
Analista de Projetos NCPI
Analista de Investimentos
Gerente de Políticas Públicas
Analista de Políticas Públicas
Diretor de Operações
Analista do Escritório de Projetos
Especialista em Gestão de Pessoas & Gov. Corporativa
Analista de Políticas Públicas
Analista de Políticas Públicas
Madrinha do Bem-estar
CEO
Diretora de Políticas Públicas
Líder de Portfólio do NCPI
Incentivador de conversa e brincadeiras
Diretora de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Analista de Políticas Públicas
Analista do Escritório de Projetos
Assistente Executiva
Líder de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Gerente de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Assessora Executiva
2023 Annual
Report
Prioritizing the investment in early childhood is essential for shaping a better present and future. In 2023, we continued to focus our strategy on advancing public policies by aiding in the design, implementation, and oversight of initiatives for children and families. Additionally, we remained committed to mobilizing society by emphasizing the significance of early years and promoting positive parenting practices. Explore our progress!
2023
BrowseEthics and Transparency
Commitment to transparency and accountability defines our approach to partners and the public. Every year, an independent external auditor reviews our activities, systematically affirming, without reservations, our financial practices concerning our operational performance for each fiscal year. Detailed financial statements, annual reports, and all related explanatory notes are available for review in this section.
Our Partners
Discover the organizations that support the Foundation’s efforts, providing human resources, institutional connections, and collaborative engagements.