Attendees pose during a fashion show thrown by ‘Jacare e Moda.'(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, hopefuls from the Brazilian region of Jacarezinho, competed for the chance to score a modeling contract in a fashion show held by Jacare e Moda. Jacare e Moda is a unique organization that is both a fashion and modeling school as well as a charity.

The organization takes a collaborative approach at building community and providing support in some of Brazil’s poorest neighborhoods. According to The Daily Mail,

The company holds events and talks with industry professionals which are open to the public, themed around local culture, urban art, graffiti, traditional fashion and fine arts.

Jacare e Moda runs editorials in local publications and encourages north zone residents to get involved in its productions, in partnership with social programmes and local government. They often enlist councillors to assist on projects.

The entrance fee for the fashion show is a donation of 1kg of non-perishable food. Boys and girls from toddlers up to age 22 compete for the grand prize a modeling contract.

Models wait before the start of a fashion show thrown by ‘Jacare e Moda.’ (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Models wait before the start of a fashion show thrown by ‘Jacare e Moda.’ (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Models wait before the start of a fashion show thrown by ‘Jacare e Moda.’ (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)