The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) unveiled a ground-breaking documentary last week at the Mozambique Fashion Week, highlighting the transformative journey of individuals living on the streets or engaged in street activities.
The documentary is the brainchild of the MPDC’s social initiative, aptly named “The Invisibles.”
The film commemorates the first anniversary of the project’s launch, a venture that brought 12 economically marginalized individuals to the forefront of the MFW 2022 runway. These individuals, beneficiaries of Kaya, the premier private social integration centre nestled in the heart of the city’s downtown area and managed by the Makobo Platform with support from MPDC, showcased a streetwear collection designed by the talented Vanda Pereira.
The project’s resounding success proved that it was not only possible but imperative to provide visibility and restore dignity to these often-overlooked members of society.
Following the fashion show, the project underwent months of meticulous implementation, featuring a comprehensive methodology encompassing psychological support, psychosocial evaluation, and professional aptitude assessment.
Through these measures, beneficiaries seized the opportunity to transform their lives and reintegrate into the workforce. Presently, four individuals are serving as interns in the maintenance department at MPDC, two have ventured into entrepreneurship within the aesthetics sector, and two have secured employment with project-partnered companies, namely Help and Fumilar.
The full-length documentary, a poignant exploration that offers hope amid the harsh reality faced by those living on the fringes of society, can be viewed at this link.
The MPDC’s commitment to social responsibility has not only illuminated the lives of “The Invisibles” but has also set a precedent for corporate initiatives that transcend profit margins, aiming to create meaningful change and inclusivity within the community.
As the documentary unfolds, it invites viewers to reflect on the transformative power of compassion and the untapped potential that resides within every individual, regardless of their circumstances.