Read the following testimony from Antônia Souza, from the riverside Community in the municipality of Jordão (AC):
“Moving on to the second phase was a moment of joy and relief, because everyone there feared that moment. I was overjoyed when my name was announced. I smiled and gave thanks for being able to represent riverside culture and also the school cooks of Acre.
Being a riverside dweller means having rivers present in our lives. Here in Jordão, the river is the main means of transporting goods to supply our city, which can only be reached by small plane or boat. It was a huge challenge to leave my city and head to São Paulo… At first, I didn’t have much support, but when I arrived at the Jordão airport, I thought: “The fear is great, but the desire to win is greater,” so I went ahead with my head held high and very confident. I sum it all up in one word, which is GRATITUDE.”