We were commissioned by the municipal social services of Mindelo to create a mural in the playground of the kindergarten of Salamansa, a poor fishing village without green plants due to the Sahel climate. The boys decided to add as many plants and cheerful colors as possible, in order to create a nice atmosphere. The scribbles of the preschoolers on the wall served as a base.
When I started working with these children in 2000, the youngest was 6 and the oldest 12, they were abandoned and lived on the streets. Thanks to Isaura Gomes, mayor of Mindelo, they had a home to stay in, access to education and healthcare. By participating in these creative projects their self-esteem grew. They evolved into a functioning team.
