Castelos de Areia e Letras (CAL)
What is it
CAL is a child‑centred, nature‑connected space where learning happens through daily life, relationships, play, observation, making and participation. It is not an institution‑centred model, but a living environment that invites autonomy, responsibility and joy. Learning grows through nature, free play and meaningful projects, rather than through conventional forms of instruction.
CAL is the main current project of Association Anastomosis and is for families who value a more natural, connected, nature‑based way of growing and learning together. Not only for children, but for adults as well.
How learning happens
Learning is a natural, lifelong process that belongs inside real life, not inside rigid systems. Children learn in a mixed‑age environment where play, work, rest, responsibility, and relationship coexist, supported by adults who are present as careful companions rather than controllers. We hold four intertwined pillars for how learning happens and four core elements. Click the button below to learn more.
Practical information
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Ages: children from 6 to 10 years. In individual cases, younger and older children may also be able to join.
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Location: Sobral da Abelheira, Mafra
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Languages: Portuguese, English and many others
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Regular participation - Contributions - We value quality and fair salaries, but also social accessibility, so contributions are organised to support different realities.
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We use a sliding‑scale contribution system, where families can choose between three levels (values are reviewed on a half-yearly basis, to reflect the growth and changing needs of the project - get in contact for the prices):
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Basic contribution – helps cover core running costs while we keep expenses as low as possible.
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Sustainable contribution – covers core running costs and allows us to offer fair salaries to team members and bring in additional support when needed.
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Abundant contribution – for families who are able to offer more, helping open and maintain supported places for other children and allowing us to create additional activities and enriched experiences for the community.
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Please note: the basic contribution may be adjusted through individual agreements in specific family situations, such as single-parent households
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In addition, we aim to offer supported places funded by aligned supporters and donors.
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Short-term participation - We also welcome children and families who are travelling and would like to experience our learning community for a shorter period - whether for one day, one week, one month or a little longer - Get in contact for the prices.
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One‑time registration and insurance contribution: €350 per child (paid at registration). This amount is reviewed each September.
Visits
Many families visit to explore CAL as a possible learning community for their children, to deepen their understanding of Natural Learning, or simply to connect with others who care about education, ecology, and community.
Because the rhythm, privacy, and protection of the children matter, visits are always arranged in advance.
If you would like to visit, please send us an email at anastomosis.dc@gmail.com briefly sharing who you are, what draws you to this project, and what you hope to experience or learn during your time with us.
Joining CAL - Registrations
All interested families in CAL are invited first to a personal meeting with Joaquim. In this conversation, he shares the vision and foundations of the project, and there is space to ask questions, clarify expectations, and explore whether CAL is a good fit for your child and family.
Communication
For any questions or for scheduling a visit, write to us at anastomosis.dc@gmail.com
What parents say
Annemarie Plas
"My son absolutely loves his learning community and especially, Joaquim. One of the things he appreciates most is the freedom to be outside whenever he needs and the chance to learn through creativity. For the first time, he comes home excited, enthusiastically sharing what he has learned each day.
He has developed a deep respect for his teacher and feels safe and free to express what he wants to learn. This sense of freedom has truly sparked his curiosity, his hunger for knowledge has grown, and with it, his learning and confidence."
Amy I.
"CAL has been a safe haven from a storm for us. At CAL Joaquim understands the emotional health of a child and what makes an environment healthy for a child to thrive. I trust his approach which makes me able to lean back and trust that J. is loved, cared for and treated with respect so that she actually loves to learn and wants to learn. Her curiosity is wide awake. Her reverence for nature is alive. Her trust in people is back and her confidence has soared. I am so grateful to Joaquim and the team for the most important work on the planet…holding space for these small humans to learn with love. Thank you."
Jenna Rainey
"Our son Myles has gone from not wanting to go to school to absolutely LOVING school. We go to pick him up and he doesn’t want to leave. He’s building such amazing relationships and Joaquim is really amazing with the kids. Guiding them with patience and nurturing each kid’s individual skills and interests is really so amazing."
Support Our Mission
Join us in caring for people and land together. By supporting Anastomosis, you help sustain a community where children, families, and neighbours can grow in connection with nature, with each other, and with themselves. Your contribution strengthens our shared work for a more humane, regenerative way of living and learning.
