BCI and MABOCO warm (hearts in) Maputo

In the lower part of Maputo, the aroma of fresh vegetables and the sound of lively conversations fill a space that goes beyond simple solidarity. It is there that employees of the Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI) and volunteers from the MAKOBO Platform gather, not only to serve a meal, but to create bonds. This long-standing partnership comes to life with each edition of the "Solidarity Soup," transforming simple ingredients into a powerful tool for inclusion and dignity for dozens of people.

The volunteering experience begins long before the soup is served. In an open-air kitchen, the team made up of BCI employees and MAKOBO members comes together to brainstorm recipes, choose vegetables, and prepare the food side-by-side. But between chopped onions and a boiling pot, what truly stands out are the conversations and smiles. It is in this relaxed atmosphere that reflections arise on the impact of the initiative and the various actions that MAKOBO undertakes to support the most vulnerable communities.

For those who participate, these moments are always intense and memorable. More than a corporate social responsibility initiative, the Solidarity Soup Kitchen functions as a school of affection, where each volunteer discovers that solidarity is born from simple gestures, but with immense transformative power.

When the soup is finally shared, the act of eating becomes secondary. What truly happens is a meeting of people. It is a moment of closeness that restores hope and reminds us that, together, we can make a difference. Sharing a meal thus represents a space for conviviality, dignity, and inclusion, where each gesture transforms into a concrete expression of care and humanity.

MAKOBO – Plataforma Solidária acts as a social forum, developing projects in the areas of education (literacy and alphabetization), nutrition, and crafts. Through the Solidarity Soup Kitchen, the organization responds daily to the needs of the most disadvantaged segments of society, welcoming hundreds of beneficiaries per day and reaching thousands of people weekly, with special attention to the elderly and children.

As a long-standing partner, BCI continually reinforces this commitment, mobilizing its employees for these moments of "solidarity soup and hugs." The Bank not only supports the logistics of the initiative but also encourages the practical application of its mission: to contribute to the economic and social development of Mozambique in a responsible and sustainable way, creating value for clients, partners, and the community in general.

With the certainty that social responsibility is also an exercise in citizenship, BCI and MAKOBO promise to continue these actions with even greater vigor. The initiative reaffirms that when hands unite and hearts come closer, a more inclusive environment for all is built, day after day.