Every afternoon, in a social housing project in the outskirts of Porto, a group of girls aged 6 to 12 put their phones and social media to the side to talk and care for one another. Organised as an after school get-together by the charity association Cercar-te, this is a time and space where these girls find solace and companionship, where they can be vulnerable too.

Awarded a grant by Ci.CLO, I was welcomed in these intimate sessions of support and freedom. As the girls talked and hugged, giggled and braided each other’s hairs, they also found a safe space to grow.  A Family of One’s Own was selected by the Porto Photography Biennial and exhibited in large-format prints in São Bento Station, central Porto.

To have these moments, usually confined to the city’s periphery, displayed at its heart was a beautiful way for the girls to reclaim the city as their own.

The project was produced by Ci.CLO and funded by Fundación “La Caixa” and BPI Bank.