One Euro = 1 Generator

"Quinta de São Francisco" (St. Francis Farm) is a place to experience the beauty of nature and communal life. The "Quinta" needs a generator to better accommodate the groups of children and youngsters that it receives.

How did it start?

In the banks of “Rio Teixeira”, municipality of “São Pedro do Sul”, the project started in 1994 almost by chance. From the beginning it was a meeting point, a place to learn, to work side by side with others, in friendship and commitment, welcoming children and youngsters from all social backgrounds.

Throughout two decades the project grew with the contribution and experience of all that stayed there. Despite being a poor place, it is rich in history.

Past, present and future

In the beginning it was necessary to clean part of the “quinta”, to recover the existing ruins and to provide it with basic infrastructures.

From sleeping outdoors, we moved into tents, then into wooden houses and we are now recovering the original slate constructions.

From collecting water from the river with a bucket, we moved into a simple (but most welcome) plumbing system.

From washing in the river, we moved into basic showers and even a warm shower for those more fragile.

From eating seating on the floor, we moved into a canteen with long wooden tables and stools, protected from the rain.

Today, 20 years past, the path walked together, the effort and work of each one of us, becomes visible in everything that the “Quinta” offers. Some of the original slate houses were refurbished, the fresh water was channeled, there are bathhouses, canteens and improvised kitchens.

Goals

Since every day we are more, the need for electricity is constantly growing. We have already studied the possibility of bringing electricity from the electric network, but unfortunately, it is too expensive, since the “quinta” is quite far from the surrounding small villages. Consequently bringing electricity from the national network is not feasible. However, being in such a remote location is part of the Quinta’s charm.

The only possibility is to install a capable and durable electric generator, capable to bring energy to construction tools, lightning, heating and, most important of all, that allows the use of a refrigerator.

For this we need your ENERGY, contributing with 1 Euro… Unless you feel more “energetic”!

Why is it important to support us?

The works at the “Quinta” are non-stop. Consequently, any exceeding sum is promptly used to improve the conditions of the site. Other works could be rapidly started. See here the list of improvements needed at the “Quinta”. Please, CONTRIBUTE!

Investment

If the “Quinta” was to buy a brand new generator, its price would be above 5.000 Euros. However, the plan is to buy a second hand diesel generator, with an electric starter and a potency of 15 KVA, with a price tag of 2.400 Euros.

That will allow replacing the old generator that after quite a few long years working at the “Quinta” reached its end, being impossible to repair it for the 100th time. We would like to have the new generator working at the end of March, ready for the Easter camps. 

About the author

The “Quinta de São Francisco” was born from the vision of Anabela and Miguel Tristany, a Portuguese couple. Their aspiration was to create a place where children and youngster could try what they had never tried: to live in close contact with nature and to have experience of living in a closely knit community.

Throughout the years the following groups of teenagers and children enjoyed living at the “Quinta”. Many have come time and again: 

We intend to invite through the social networks these groups and all those that want to be part of this campaign, in order to bring the ENERGY we need into the “Quinta de São Francisco”.

Together we are the “Amigos (friends) da Quinta de São Francisco”.

More information

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Budget and due dates

Images