The organization Mundu Nôbu was established to support young people from underrepresented communities in realizing their full potential. Out of 500 applicants, around 100 have spent the past year at this ‘dream factory’, where they also find ways to overcome challenges such as racism and discrimination.
Musician and composer Dino D’Santiago serves as the president of the association he founded with Liliana Valpaços. In an interview, he acknowledges that he learns more than he teaches, even though he recognizes his role as an inspiration and a testament that those from disadvantaged backgrounds can succeed, albeit at a slower pace.
The artist is passionate when discussing these young individuals who often come from places “where even dreaming is a privilege.” In Mundu Nôbu, they realize that “more than just being able to dream, they have many tools and people around them who prosper with them and, in a subtle way, work on each dream.”
“One wants to pursue journalism, and we managed to secure an internship; another wants a career in diplomacy, and soon enough, is discussing diplomacy with the President, who encourages her,” he says.
This space welcomes youngsters who enjoy poetry, offering them a creative writing workshop. Many of them traveled abroad for the first time, with one representing Portugal in Osaka at the world’s largest expo, presenting his original poem.
Then there is Abigail, 19, who has always loved art and has managed to exhibit some of her work at FNAC.
She shares that the association has connected her with “various peoples, origins, and realities.”
“This broadens my mind and not only inspires me but also lets me do what I love most: drawing,” she adds.
Raquel, 18, aspires to be a journalist and believes that Mundu Nôbu has helped her realize this dream, emphasizing that what the association offers is what her life was missing.
Leonor, 16, found the association’s goals notably distinct from others. Besides dreaming of being a dancer, she is also interested in drawing and hopes to start an architecture firm.
Reflecting on Dino D’Santiago, she says he makes her believe in her dreams. “He shows me that regardless of my reality, we can achieve our dreams.”
Diana, 17, highlights the “positive results” since she decided to fully immerse herself in this new world. Among the many guests—entrepreneurs of Lusophone origin, artists, athletes, singers—she particularly recalls actress Rita Pereira. “She showed her determination and inspired us to believe,” Diana says.
According to Dino D’Santiago, these young individuals have realized their dreams “at lightning speed,” a feat aided by strategic decisions like situating the association in a prime Lisbon neighborhood, rather than where they live.
Author of songs such as ‘Nova Lisboa’ and ‘Crioula,’ he brings attention to the difficulties faced by these youths from peripheral neighborhoods, most often coming from highly dysfunctional and precarious families.
“In our social neighborhoods, we still have homes without electricity, homes without water, and children going to school hungry because there isn’t enough. We still have children whose greatest adversaries are siblings competing for what little is in the fridge,” he notes.
At Mundu Nôbu, professionals are available around the clock, alongside a psychologist, sharing in joy and sorrow due to deep-rooted issues such as racism.
“All these children share horrible experiences from their homes,” he says, praising their ability to believe in the future, like Edgar, whose mother recently passed away and whose father lives in Angola. Living with very little money each month, he resides alone, studies, and aspires to enter politics.
Edgar Domingos was the grand winner of the literary contest that sent a young person from this association to represent Portugal at the Expo Osaka in Japan. Unfortunately, due to ongoing legal processes, he could not attend. Francisco Vieira, however, captivated the audience with a poem that asks and answers: “And after Portugal? It is making it happen!”
The artist emphasizes the significance of camaraderie among the youths. “From the entire project, they cherish the moments of sharing the most.”
“The fact that they feel heard means that, in absolute silence while each speaks, they increasingly feel this is a home where they can unburden their vulnerabilities,” he expresses.
Challenging topics abound, like the triple homicide in Vale neighborhood, Lisbon, where a barber was killed, the father of one of Mundu Nôbu’s young members.
Also, the death of Odair Moniz in Cova da Moura and the arrest of Asian immigrants by the police on Rua do Benformoso are incidents that have deeply impacted them, requiring work from the technical team and psychologist.
In response to controversies surrounding immigration and nationalism, the youths affirm: “I will prove my worth, I will prove that I transcend the color you see and deem inferior to the one you have right now,” says the musician.
Social monitor Ângela Almeida reflects on her past to find what to offer these youths, noting the positive interpersonal connections among them and seeing “a very bright future, completely different from what they initially brought.”
“I believe that these young people’s already changing minds will also want to change the minds of other young people,” she concludes.
José Vaz, another monitor, was surprised by the ability of the youths to adapt.
“What we instill in the young is confidence,” he affirms, adding that their mission is complete when the youths believe in their own capabilities, which are many.
