On May 23rd, the "Meeting of Families" of the project Growing with Manguinhos was held, which is an initiative of Somar volunteers, of the Institute of Technology in Immunobiology (Bio-Manguinhos/ Fiocruz) and has the support of Fiotec. This was the 6th meeting, this time with the theme "Family and hands given project." About 50 people were at the Quinta da Boa Vista, which was the place chosen for the moment of celebration and reflection.

The educational coordinator of the initiative, SandraVivoni, explained that the purpose of the meeting was to bring the young people’s families near the project by providing a morning of many jokes and opportunities. “We reflect on the act of holding hands, which should be more than simply interlacing fingers, but a way of saying, 'I'm here and you can count on me.” This helps the young people of Manguinhos, which are accompanied more effectively by both institutions, " he said.

This time, in addition to activities carried out by young people and the teaching staff, there was a collective lunch and presentation of Abadá Capoeira group. In partnership with the University Center Augusto Motta (Unisuam),nurses and physiotherapists also attended the meeting. "We set the date of the next event, which will be on August 22nd. We want to serve a greater number of families," said the educational coordinator.

Growing with Manguinhos 
The project was created in 2008 in order to contribute to sustainable socio-economic development of surrounding communities of Fiocruz, through a participatory methodology to raise awareness in citizens of their rights and duties, enabling them to promote social transformation structured in full health with the development of activities in environmental education (Green Library), digital inclusion and culture and sports. The project works with 10 to 14 year old people, residents of Manguinhos and their families.

Source: Bio-Manguinhos website - Gabriella Ponte (journalist)