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17 Jul 2022
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Description
We are Sandro, Irina, Chiara and Anastasia. Since 2020 we have moved from the city to the countryside.
The reasons that led us to this change are sustainability, food and energy self-sufficiency. Our project is based on the principles and ethics of permaculture.
After a long period of planning we are in the construction phase. Our project is called "Borgo Mandralisca" which is the name of the village located 1 km from our house; It is urrounded by greenery between woods and unspoiled countryside.
We have created a chicken coop of laying hens in green building of wood and straw: at the moment there are 150 laying hens living there, respecting their natural needs to the maximum. The open space dedicated to them is 2500 square meters of field full of plant biodiversity. In this area there is the family orchard.
In addition to hens, we raise bees that give us excellent Sulla, Wildflower and Eucalyptus honey in our wood.
We are creating a family garden with different methodologies: synergistic, bio-intensive and lasagna garden. We have built an olive grove and a family orchard.
The Borgo Mandralisca project is also a space to dedicate oneself to yoga and meditation, and to return to her roots. Irina is a yoga and meditation teacher.
At the moment we are carrying out:
- A biocompatible wellness center, with a bio sauna, the idea is to use the thermo compost to heat it;
- geodesic domes to be used as seedbed and storage of materials.
- a worm compost to reuse the droppings produced by hens
- a toilet compostTypes of help and learning opportunities
Charity WorkArt ProjectsHelp with Eco ProjectsGardeningDIY and building projectsCreating/ Cooking family mealsHelp around the houseGeneral MaintenanceCultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will learn how geodedic domes are built; Sicilian cuisine and pastry; yoga and meditation; how
to create and care for a synergistic garden and permacuture.Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are looking for volunteers who love being outdoors and love nature. You can help us build
geodedic domes and eco-friendly structures with us, take care of the garden and house routine.
At certain times of the year there may be times when we are focusing on a specific project:
planting trees, working the land, building structures, etc.
VOLUNTEERS DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE FARM BUT ONLY IN FAMILY ACTIVITIESLanguages spoken
Italian: Fluent
Russian: FluentAccommodation
You will stay in a fully equipped room in our home. Meals will be shared and we will cook together. We eat healthy
in a natural and homemade way, mainly vegetarian; the water comes from a spring near the
home. Alternatively, if you have your own camper, we can provide a special parking space.What else ...
We are strongly convinced that the meeting of new cultures, experiences and knowledge is the
true richness of the soul.
There are several events that are worth seeing and experiencing in Gangi:
- Cravaccata, in the days of Carnival: allegorical floats and masks on horseback.
- Palm Sunday and Holy Week: colorful and baroque, the procession of the palms is an ancient and
very popular rite. The rhythm of the drums carried on the shoulders, by the tamburinara, starts
the ceremony: recalled by the tam tam that announces the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the
faithful and the brotherhoods with their banners cross the streets of the medieval center ending
the path in front of the churchyard of the Matrice church, where 24 unison drums beat the final
rhythm.
- Feast of the Holy Spirit: Monday following Pentecost, spectacular religious procession, with 35
wooden statues carried on the shoulders.
- Festa dei Burgisi: first Sunday in August.
- Sagra della Spiga: second Sunday in August, a traditional festival.
- Living in Assisi: 4 October (biennial): reenactment in costume of the life of St. Francis.
- Christmas: with the living nativity scene, ancient Bethlehem is set in the alleys of Gangi; with the
concert of bells, the Christmas atmosphere is charged with the sounds of the party; and there is
also the Christmas market
Services such as bar, supermarket, post office, bus can be found in Gangi. To get to Gangi from
Palermo you can use the SAIS transport bus service; To get from the village to our house it takes
15 minutes by car.A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week