Our History
Since its inception in 2007, the Fundação Maria Cecilia 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 Cecilia, who passed away at age 12 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 Cecilia, who passed away from leukemia at age 12, banker Gastão Eduardo de Bueno Vidigal and his wife founded the Maria Cecilia Souto Vidigal Foundation to promote research and knowledge in hematology.
1965
Ampliaçõe
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
Informaçõe
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
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
From 2009 to 2018, the São Paulo for Early Childhood initiative, initially implemented in six municipalities across the state, expanded through a partnership with the São Paulo State Department of Health (SES-SP), directly reaching 41 municipalities and later having an indirect impact on all 645 cities in the state. In partnership with the São Paulo City Hall, the Foundation contributed to the launch of the 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
The world had to reinvent itself — and the Foundation was no exception. It was the year we launched the Early Childhood First platform and the Nenê do Zap initiative, as well as awards to recognize and celebrate the work of professionals in Early Childhood Education and Home Visiting programs.
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
Caring for every child is caring for the whole country
The Foundation joins the committee responsible for implementing the National Integrated Policy for Early Childhood, representing civil society. 'Nelson, o Nenê' stars in an audiovisual piece broadcast on TV Globo during Early Childhood Month. The message “Caring for every child is caring for the whole country” spreads throughout the streets, displayed on billboards across the São Paulo Metropolitan Region, including public clocks and train and subway stations.
2024
60 years of history
During Green August, the Integrated National Policy for Early Childhood was officially enacted, focusing on the protection and development of babies and children aged 0 to 6. Launched by the Foundation, the Early Childhood Overview survey revealed the perceptions, knowledge, and practices of the Brazilian population regarding the early years of life. The Foundation celebrates 60 years of history and 18 years of commitment to the early childhood cause!
2025
1965
Foundation Established
In memory of their daughter Maria Cecilia, who passed away from leukemia at age 12, banker Gastão Eduardo de Bueno Vidigal and his wife founded the Maria Cecilia 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
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.
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
From 2009 to 2018, the São Paulo for Early Childhood initiative, initially implemented in six municipalities across the state, expanded through a partnership with the São Paulo State Department of Health (SES-SP), directly reaching 41 municipalities and later having an indirect impact on all 645 cities in the state. In partnership with the São Paulo City Hall, the Foundation contributed to the launch of the 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
The world had to reinvent itself — and the Foundation was no exception. It was the year we launched the Early Childhood First platform and the Nenê do Zap initiative, as well as awards to recognize and celebrate the work of professionals in Early Childhood Education and Home Visiting programs.
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
Caring for every child is caring for the whole country
The Foundation joins the committee responsible for implementing the National Integrated Policy for Early Childhood, representing civil society. 'Nelson, o Nenê' stars in an audiovisual piece broadcast on TV Globo during Early Childhood Month. The message “Caring for every child is caring for the whole country” spreads throughout the streets, displayed on billboards across the São Paulo Metropolitan Region, including public clocks and train and subway stations.
2025
60 years of history
During Green August, the Integrated National Policy for Early Childhood was officially enacted, focusing on the protection and development of babies and children aged 0 to 6. Launched by the Foundation, the Early Childhood Overview survey revealed the perceptions, knowledge, and practices of the Brazilian population regarding the early years of life. The Foundation celebrates 60 years of history and 18 years of commitment to the early childhood cause!
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 Cecilia 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
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees
Fiscal Board
Responsible for auditing accounts, ensuring compliance, and managing risk for the Foundation’s endowment fund
Chairperson
Chairperson
Investment Committee
Focused on maximizing the endowment’s resources through technical recommendations and insights
Chairperson
Chairperson
Public Awareness Committee
An advisory body that supports the Communications department in promoting awareness of early childhood development across society
Chairperson
Chairperson
Intelligence Committee
A forum for guidance, support, and analysis created to provide the Foundation with qualified expertise on topics of interest—whether programmatic or institutional
Conduct and Ethics Committee
Responsible for overseeing compliance with the rules established in the Bylaws, Internal Regulations, Code of Conduct, and other policies and guidelines of the Foundation
Controlling Manager
CEO
Controlling Manager
CEO
Team
The dedicated individuals who work daily to ensure the Foundation’s initiatives deliver outstanding results
Societal Awareness Analyst
Societal Awareness Analyst
Societal Awareness Analyst
Public Policy Manager
Public Policy Analyst
NCPI Project Analyst
Controlling Manager
Investment Control Manager
Especialista em Digital de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Estagiária de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Controlling Analyst
Public Policy Analyst
Executive Assistant
Project Office Analyst
Public Policy Intern
Investment Analyst
Public Policy Manager
Director of Operations
Public Policy Analyst
Societal Awareness Analyst
People Management & Corporate Governance Specialist
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analyst
Welfare Godmother
CEO
Public Policy Director
Conversation and Play Facilitator
Director of Societal Awareness
Analista de Compliance
Societal Awareness Manager
Operations Intern
Executive Advisor
Operations Intern
Societal Awareness Analyst
Societal Awareness Analyst
Societal Awareness Analyst
Public Policy Manager
Public Policy Analyst
NCPI Project Analyst
Controlling Manager
Investment Control Manager
Especialista em Digital de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Estagiária de Sensibilização da Sociedade
Controlling Analyst
Public Policy Analyst
Executive Assistant
Project Office Analyst
Public Policy Intern
Investment Analyst
Public Policy Manager
Director of Operations
Public Policy Analyst
Societal Awareness Analyst
People Management & Corporate Governance Specialist
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analyst
Welfare Godmother
CEO
Public Policy Director
Conversation and Play Facilitator
Director of Societal Awareness
Analista de Compliance
Societal Awareness Manager
Operations Intern
Executive Advisor
Operations Intern
2024 Annual
Report
Investing in early childhood must be a priority to transform the present and build a better future. In 2024, in partnership with governments and organizations, we remain firmly committed to this mission—supporting the creation, implementation, and monitoring of public policies for children aged 0 to 6 and their families. We also engage society in raising awareness about early childhood and promoting positive parenting practices. Learn more!
2024
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.