Micaia has established a city farm, just 3km from the centre of Chimoio, especially for young families currently struggling to cope with no regular employment and little or no familial support. We have access to a privately owned plot of 5 hectares, and the offer to use this land for the benefit of young people. Working with Gonazalolo, the youth association that partners with Micaia in Chimoio, we have established Quinta Sol Youth Farm. 'Sol' is the Portuguese word for 'sun' and we hope that the farm will shine a light of hope on the young people.
The farm has 50 small plots available, sufficient space for a family to grow a range of horticultural crops through the year, some for consumption, others for sale. We need to raise the money to buy equipment such as wheelbarrows and hosepipes that can be shared, and 'starter kits' for each family, consisting of basic tools and a selection of seeds. We also need to pay for the wages of a Farm Manager who will also be on hand to advise the young people, and a worker/guard for the site who will also help make organic compost. The average cost per family per month is just £20.
Our target is to find 50 supporters able to contribute £20 month to give a young family real hope and purpose.