Escola Waldorf a Oliveira
Expansion Project

Versão Portuguesa

Thanks in part to your donations to our Bike-a-thon events in 2018 and 2019, Escola Waldorf a Oliveira inaugurated our branch "Oliveira da Vila" in Vila de Bispo on September 16, 2019 to embrace Waldorf pedagogy from the 6th to 8th grade.

Our branch Oliveira da Vila was always intended to be a temporary solution.

Knowing our school in Figueira and branch Oliveira da Vila have some limitations, our students and teachers have persevered and created the best learning environment possible. Unfortunately our Vila branch lacks an adequate outdoor area for recreation and contact with nature, as it is located in the center of Vila do Bispo. And we have outgrown our installations in Figueira.

After many challenges on a long road traveled, our story continues with an exciting new chapter that will soon bring all our students from grades 1 to 8 under one roof!

September 2023 NEWS UPDATE!

The vision of our new school now has taken shape

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you that marks a significant milestone in the expansion project of Escola Waldorf a Oliveira.

On 27th June, a captivating architectural presentation took place, unveiling the remarkable transformation of a former ice cream storage warehouse in Monte Judeu, Lagos. 

This presentation signifies a crucial step forward along this journey. We embarked on a tour through our future Waldorf school, brilliantly guided by the vision of an iterative work between our well-respected architects António Miguel Ferreira and Delfim Martins, our expansion commission, and the organs of the school. 

As the architecture model entered the school, the students surrounded the architects with enthusiasm when it was lowered to the table, where they investigated the contours and elements of the space designed inside the building after raising the roof. 

The architects’ presentation was truly awe-inspiring, offering an insightful glimpse into how the warehouses will be beautifully repurposed to serve as a nurturing and engaging educational environment for our students. 

The conceptual design of our new school contemplates three phases of construction to address the current needs of our students (classes 1 to 8), the anticipation of the 9th grade in the near future, as well as continuity to integrate education to the 12th grade in the distant future. 

The essence of Waldorf education and its connection to nature is reflected in the design through the expression of the golden ratio at the entrance of the library, similar to a spiral unraveled, like a pine cone or the center of a sunflower. 

The outdoor space in the playground is abundant and surrounded by trees and a vegetable garden. Playing outside is an important part of the day where the Waldorf pedagogy comes to life and grows within the social dynamic among the students.

The completion of the expansion project will create a harmonious atmosphere where children can flourish.  

This presentation has ignited our collective determination to make this vision a reality. However, we cannot achieve this goal without the unwavering support of our community. 

As we take the next crucial steps of renovation planning to finalize the architectural and engineering projects, we appeal to your support to help raise the necessary funds to implement the design on the ground. 

By investing in our project, you are investing in the future of education and helping us create an interesting learning environment, where children can blossom. Your support will empower us to continue providing a Waldorf education that nurtures the whole child – mind, body, and spirit. 

Furthermore, we kindly request that you spread the word about our campaign to your friends, family, and colleagues. Sharing our story and the importance of our mission will help us reach a wider audience and increase our chances of securing the necessary funds.  

Together, we can make a lasting impact on the educational landscape close to Lagos and for the Western Algarve region. 

We are grateful for your unwavering support and belief in the transformative power of Waldorf education. 

Your donation will be a beacon of hope, lighting the way for generations to come. Join us in building a brighter future for our children and the community we cherish. 

February 2023 NEWS UPDATE!

Property Acquired for Replanting our School in Monte Judeu

A toast with Sr. Batista, former owner of the Fábrica @ Open House, Monte Judeu
12 February 2023

For many years, landing the school in Monte Judeu felt as if it were a distant dream that had been buried deep in the darkness as a seed dormant in the Earth, waiting...

We are so grateful to announce that this collective dream was awoken and solidified when two angel investors appeared in May 2022.

On February 2, 2023  Escola Waldorf a Oliveira reached a milestone of great proportions by becoming the owner of the former Fábrica dos Gelados property in Monte Judeu, Lagos.

A courageous commitment to our students was taken by signing an 11-year loan agreement worth more than 1 million euros.

With this big step forward we have space for growth.

The Fábrica dos Gelados will be transformed by renovating the existing warehouses and buildings to serve as classrooms for 1st  to 9th grades as well as integration of a conceptual design contemplating expansion to the 12th grade in the future.

The new school will give our students the conditions they truly deserve - designated space for a lunch room and finally a kitchen, additional bathrooms, separate areas dedicated for arts, music, and eurythmy, an amphitheatre and gymnasium! 

The architectural design is underway and we would like to start renovation and construction of the existing buildings and warehouses as soon as possible, but for this...

 

Your support it vital!

Please consider sponsoring an area of the property in 1, 10, or 100 m²

Your contribution will help fund the architectural project and renovation construction costs, as well as repayment of the property loan.

Help us fund the Expansion Project:

• Architectural design for Phases I to III
• Project management
• Construction | Renovation
• School materials and interior improvements

All of the school's operation costs are carried by the parents, our fundraising efforts, and generous donations. We do not receive subsidies or funding from the Portuguese Government.

Please share our campaign!

We kindly ask that you distribute it widely – tell our story – transmit our joy – to inspire those that are dear to you.

If you prefer, please make a bank transfer to:
IBAN PT50 0045 7150 4023 5759 4182 5
NIB 0045 7150 4023 5759 4182 5

Thanks so much!!

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