The Free School of Permaculture
Since 2016, we've been able to share with thousands of visitors a different way of life that is more in tune with nature. Today, more than ever, we believe that knowledge about permaculture and sustainable living are crucial for the moment in which we currently live, on a global level. For this reason, our mission is to democratize such knowledge by making it accessible to anyone who wishes to learn it.
The dream of a free school of permaculture was conceived a few years ago after realizing the need for information related to a lifestyle that is more ecological, economical, healthy, and sustainable to expand at a faster rate than the culture is changing, and that this information should not be exclusive only to those who could pay to access it. The idea of building an educational space was born to educate and share such information so that it is accessible to each and every person who wants to gain more knowledge and, in turn, also wants to teach.
We wish to provide not only a center of learning but also being, particularly to the local youth of our region. We partner with regional schools and local organizations that focus on outdoor, lifestyle, and health education for children, women, and more.
How does free school work?
There are several formats under which the free school will operate:
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dynamic and hands-on learning
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complies with the ethical principles of permaculture, specifically with the principle of fair distribution of resources
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free courses or with a voluntary/ethical contribution, when hosted by Alma Verde
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fair fees for both teachers and students, when hosted by external instructors
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gift economy / time bank / barter system: trading skills and goods
These are distinct ways of operating that go beyond our current economic model.
The infrastructure will be a large circular space that is 26 feet in diameter, to be built entirely with bioconstruction (ecological) methods.
Bale walls covered with mud, a reciprocal roof with a living deck, insulation of sheep's wool, large rocket stove, and a native wooden floor will be some of the elements that will comprise and give life to the space, designed to provide an ideal atmosphere for learning and reflection.
As reference, the organic design is embodied by the Little Bryn Gwyn building by the Down to Earth Project .
What will the classroom be like?
When and how will it be completed?
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Budget: approx. $50,000 USD
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$35,000 USD for materials and equipment
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$5,000 USD to compensate builders
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$10,000 USD to equip and furnish
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Fundraising campaign: May 2023 - December 2026
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Site preparation: May 2023
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Procurement of materials: September 2023
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Construction: November 2023 - April 2026
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Furnishing: December 2026
Laborers for the construction will be volunteers, being taught and directed by builders who will host free workshops on bioconstruction subjects and specific techniques. Everyone will be learning and training while also building the school!
How you can support us 🙏
We are a not-for-profit Chilean NGO and the free school does not aim to recover the investment of the construction of the school through any kind of charge to its visitors, for which the help of all those people who resonate with our mission is crucial.
The fundraising platform for this school project is made possible by our good friends at Trek Relief , a 501(c)(3) USA nonprofit organization (EIN 81-5114205), in which your donation will receive a US tax-deductible receipt.
We ask you to contribute, whether donating or creating your own campaign to raise funds! Your contribution helps us to provide practical and impactful ways to improve our way of life on this earth and all that inhabit it.
Project Updates
"Invitation" by Mary Oliver Oh do you have time to linger for just a little while out of your busy and very important day for the goldfinches that have gathered in a field of thistles for a musical battle, to see who can sing the highest note, or the lowest, or the most expressive of mirth, or the most tender? Their strong, blunt beaks drink the air as they strive melodiously not for your sake and not for mine and not for the sake of winning but for sheer delight and gratitude – believe us, they say, it is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in the broken world. I beg of you, do not walk by without pausing to attend to this rather ridiculous performance. It could mean something. It could mean everything. It could be what Rilke meant, when he wrote: You must change your life.