This collaboration marks the continuation of a six-year journey that uses music and the arts to transform lives, promote social inclusion, and foster youth development across Mozambique.
Launched in 2013, the Xiquitsi Project provides free music education to children and young people aged 6–25, many from disadvantaged backgrounds. Using an innovative methodology that integrates musical training with the development of social and emotional skills, Xiquitsi has become a unique incubator of talent and opportunity.
“For Hollard, supporting Xiquitsi is far more than sponsoring a cultural project — it is an investment in Mozambique’s future. Over the past six years of partnership, we have witnessed how music transforms lives, opens horizons, and creates opportunities for young people. We are proud to continue walking side by side with Kulungwana in this mission of inclusion and social development through art,” said Henri Mittermayer, CEO of Hollard Mozambique.
Since 2019, the insurer has also supported the Crescente Collection with a financial contribution, in addition to sponsoring an international workshop for the three winners of each edition.
Hollard’s support for these initiatives forms part of the group’s Shared Value framework. By providing resources and support to artists and cultural organisations, Hollard recognises its role in creating opportunities for people to develop their skills, secure meaningful employment, and contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
Founded in 2006, Kulungwana – Association for Cultural Development – works to promote arts and culture as a means of building a more open and inclusive society.
“Over the past 12 years, Xiquitsi has served as an incubator of talent, promoting social integration through collective music education. Today, we take pride in presenting a diverse repertoire performed by musicians trained within Xiquitsi, many of whom now teach, pursue studies abroad, or contribute to the arts in Mozambique,” stated Henny Matos, Executive Director of Kulungwana.
Impact in numbers
In 2024, 267 students (57% girls) participated in classes including violin, viola, cello, double bass, clarinet, percussion, choir and luthiery. Through its outreach programme, Xiquitsi involved approximately 1900 students in 11 public schools. The project further delivered 12 public performances and 7 concerts in the Music Season, reaching around 10,000 audience members.
In 2025, 275 students (61% girls), with new classes in oboe, took part in 10 public performances and 6 concerts in the first and second Music Season Series, attended by nearly 8000 people.
Cultural highlights and international reach
Recent milestones include international tours and exchanges in Brazil, Ireland, South Africa, the United States of America, Italy, and Portugal, scholarships for Mozambican students in Europe, collaborations with renowned artists and institutions and the integration of traditional Mozambican music into its repertoire.
About Xiquitsi
Established in 2013, the Xiquitsi Project provides free music education for children and young people, particularly those from disadvantaged communities. By combining technical training with social and emotional development, it equips students with the skills to thrive both artistically and socially, while reinforcing Mozambique’s rich cultural identity.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jéssica Figueiredo – jessicaf@hollard.co.mz
