Unit

Dora Ribeiro

Founded in: 1998

Meaning behind the name: The name is a tribute to Dora Ribeiro. She gathered friends to help build the early childswood center, and her children continue to support us today.

Our Story: The unit was established in response to a request from families in the Providência community, who needed a safe and welcoming place where their children could stay during the day, protected from the area's social challenges and cared for according to their individual needs.

To meet this need, Father Pigi secured a plot of land on the site of a former quarry. Together with Rosetta and members of the local community, he helped make the construction of the childcare center possible.

The building had unique architectural features that reflected its surroundings, including a slide built into the natural rock and classrooms where the quarry stone itself formed one of the walls, giving the center a distinctive identity.

In 2023, due to safety concerns related to the physical conditions of the surrounding quarry, the unit was relocated to a new facility. Although the move reduced its capacity, it ensured a safer environment and allowed the work to continue serving children and their families.