TERRA Associação de Educação Integral do Minho

TERRA runs daily activities for children in a natural, home-like setting in Alvarães, Viana do Castelo, and supports families who practise home education. The days centre on outdoor play, healthy food and strong emotional bonds between children and the adults who care for them, which the association calls *colo e abraço* (lap and hug). A group of families and friends founded the non-profit TERRA (Associação de Educação Integral do Minho) in June 2016. Its mission is to promote free and respectful growth for all beings, children and adults alike, with care for the environment. It's guided by the belief that everyone is part of a greater whole. The motto is "Tempo de Educar para o Respeito, Responsabilidade e Amor" (Time to Educate for Respect, Responsibility and Love). The association also organises seasonal workshops at Easter and Christmas, summer holiday camps, a Christmas market and community festivals, such as its 10th anniversary celebration at the Jardim das Oliveiras. Families describe TERRA as a nurturing, safe place where children explore, make friends and connect with nature. For families who aren't native speakers, that includes picking up Portuguese naturally through immersion. The community puts strong value on free play, project-based learning and the development of the whole child. Enrolments for the 2026/2027 school year are open. The association invites prospective families to visit and see the place for themselves.