Stories

Ana Carolina, Researcher

“My career as a researcher has always been focused on the reflection on motherhood and women’s issues, woman and mother. When I was invited to work at JUNTOS as a researcher, I was thrilled by the idea of ​​being able to witness the creation of a group of mothers and family members working to build a collective knowledge about their children and, above all, about their roles as mothers, fathers and caregivers.

To witness the transformation of these family members by the time they belong to a group of people in similar situations is an enriching experience and has greatly contributed to my experience as a researcher.

In JUNTOS, the challenges, achievements, joys and pains of everyday life are shared by all contributing to the construction and reflection on the role of each one in the care of their children and the specificity they bring. It is amazing to see the effects that the group produces on the lives of each of these adults. The profound transformation in these families makes the experience of being in JUNTOS captivating ” Ana Carolina Vieira , Researcher (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

“Actually, before this group, sometimes I felt alone in the world, thinking that this problem was only mine. I could not imagine that other parents were going through worse things. We can help, and we have the opportunity to interact with other children.” (Mother, Brazil)

 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to help construct, put into practice and witness the flourishing of such a great, important and necessary project.  Juntos has transformed the lives of all of us who have shared it.  It’s incredible to witness the transforming power of the carer groups.  It fills us with happiness and shows us that what sustains the bond is LOVE.  Juntos shines out!  It’s been a great honour to be able to follow and share so many stories.  Special thanks to all the carers and all the children who truly teach us every day!” Monica Matos, researcher (Salvador, Brazil)

“Being part of Juntos Programme team is a fascinating experience.  We understand that when we talk about a child’s health, we are talking about a family’s health.  And so we work with those resources that advance global child development in partnership with the greatest childcare specialists: their mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, their main carers.  Love and care are present in every detail of the sessions and the group’s unity strengthens every meeting.  Knowledge, feelings, information about rights, challenges and desires are shared for the next steps.  All of this contributes to transformations in the lives of everyone involved.  Let’s go forward together (juntos) multiplying this love!” Julia Reis, researcher (Salvador, Brazil)