The Magic Mala - Take Me to Tell: (or) how to build a story in community

After the 2020 pandemic, which created much social isolation for people and institutions, the community of the parish of São Domingos de Benfica embraced a challenge to strengthen ties and relationships again, proposed by the Multipurpose Social Center of the Furnas of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa. A story was written among entities, users, children, the elderly, and professionals, which was presented in comic book format and titled “The Mystery of the Lost Keys.” 

The creative way of involving and bringing together public and private entities and the people of the community provided opportunities for reflection and new learning in a playful and didactic way. We share the story of this rich social experience, which will certainly be an inspiration for everyone, from the little ones to the grown-ups.

General coordination
 Teresa Nicolau | Cultural Direction | SCML

Executive coordination
Samuel Esteves | Editorial Center | SCML

Project authors
Ana Nascimento, Sofia Colaço, and Vanessa Carvalho | Social Center
Multipurpose of the Furnas Neighborhood / ComVida Space | SCML
Authors of the story texts
Multipurpose Social Center of the Furnas Neighborhood
São Domingos de Benfica Parish Social Center
Parish Council of São Domingos de Benfica
Saint Thomas Aquinas Social and Parish Center
Light Road Nursery
Radar Project
Community Policing of the Municipal Police of Lisbon
MIPP - Integrated Model of Proximity Policing of the PSP
Lisbon Firefighters 
Municipal Police of Lisbon
GEBALIS

Illustrations
João Coutinho (drawings); Cátia Freitas (painting)

Graphic design
Beatriz Berger

Editorial technical support
Andreia Afonso, Dora Rosa and João Santana da Silva | Editorial Center | SCML

Review
João Santana da Silva | Editorial Center | SCML

Year of publication: Jul. 2025 
Publisher: Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa
ISBN: 9789899151734

Launch at the Lisbon Book Fair (6/17/25)
Read report