The inspiring story of Boa Vista
Over the past decade, Boa Vista, Brazil, has become the capital early childhood in Brazil, reshaping urban life to meet the needs of babies, toddlers and their caregivers. Through scaling innovative policies and programmes, the city has redefined what it means to be a family-friendly city. Two flagship initiatives—Urban95 and Família que Acolhe—are central to this transformation.
Created in 2012, Família que Acolhe (Family Welcoming Programme) offers comprehensive early childhood services, including prenatal care, health check-ups, parenting workshops, and even financial support to ensure every child, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds, has a good start in life. Then in 2016 the city looked for opportunities to expand its early years focus across the city. It partnered with the Van Leer Foundation through Urban95 to reimagine public spaces and urban services from the perspective of a child at 95 centimetres tall. The City focused on safe, accessible environments for families to connect, play, and grow together.
This journey and its impact is captured in When a City Cares, a new film series produced by the Van Leer Foundation in collaboration with RAW London, the City of Boa Vista and AVSI Brasil. The film shares the experiences of Boa Vista residents whose lives have been positively impacted by the city’s focus on early childhood.
Mothers Lismary and Larissa talk about the support they’ve received, from pregnancy onwards and how their confidence as parents has grown. Mayor Arthur Henrique Machado and project leader Elane Florencio Rodrigues share their vision and personal inspiration for a city that prioritises children and families. Through their stories, When a City Cares illustrates the profound impact of investing in family-focused programmes and thoughtfully designed spaces.
Boa Vista’s story reminds us of the power of a city that genuinely cares for its residents. When cities invest in early childhood, they create communities where every family—local and migrant alike—feels valued and supported. Boa Vista’s commitment to its youngest residents offers an inspiring blueprint for any city striving to build a more connected and inclusive future.
Learn more about Urban95 and the Urban95 Brazil Network.
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