15 young people from nine countries visited São Bartolomeu de Messines, between 3 and 14 July, where they voluntarily built two picnic parks in the village.
One of the parks is located in Cortes, next to a daughter-in-law, and the other is next to the train line, leaning against the tunnel that gives access to the station.
Young people from Italy, Russia, South Korea, France, Holland, Belarus, Czech Republic, Turkey and Poland were welcomed by the House of the People of São Bartolomeu de Messines.
According to the institution, «during these days, the work was very demanding, the young people not only made the floor in pavement, but also built walls, dug the soil, straightened the ground and installed tables, benches and a barbecue, so that the park meet the needs of the population».
The volunteers worked five hours a day, from Monday to Saturday, with the help of officials from the Parish Council of Messines who «not only taught the young people, but they also “got their hands dirty” and helped to build this daring work» .
The People's House of São Bartolomeu de Messines explains that «this project arose from an application to the Portuguese Youth and Sports Institute, in which several entities joined, namely the People's House of São Bartolomeu de Messines, to the Parish Council of Saint Bartolomeu de Messines and the Municipality of Silves».
In addition to the official partners, adds the institution, "there was still occasional support from companies like Intermarché that supported this project from the first instance."
Residents also collaborated with this initiative. "There was no lack of orangeade, lemonade or even 'finished' cakes to make, kindly given by a neighbor in Cortes, who, in gratitude for the requalification of the space and the effort of the young people, offered the group with her daily sympathy," says the People's house.
In addition to working, the youngsters also had the opportunity to visit the Queda do Vigário, the Alte fountains, the Algarve beaches, the castle and the historic area of Silves, the Casa Museu João de Deus, or the Museu do Traje and entertainment venues night.
According to Casa do Povo, these were "enriching days for all those involved who were also able to cook and taste typical delicacies from each country, from the original Russian salad, to Czech sweets, and gazpacho."
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