Annual Christmas Bazaar benefits elderly and children in Algarve
The German School Algarve (DSA) in Silves held its annual Christmas Bazaar on December 14, with organisers describing it as “a cheerful and warm party in the spirit of Christmas”.
The school, currently educating 180 pupils from pre-school to A-Levels in 13 different groups, relies not only on the committed teachers but also on the dedicated parents, who promote “a warm and supportive atmosphere” throughout the year but especially during the Christmas season.
One of the school’s traditions is to collect 80-100 gifts, which are left under a Christmas tree in the entrance hall for the residents of the Centro de Apoio a Idosos in Portimão. Before the Bazaar, Year 4 students travelled to Portimão to hand over the presents to the elderly residents, bringing some additional joy and the spirit of caring into their lives.
So does the group “Os Alegres”, a choir consisting of singers from various countries in Europe, who sing mostly in Portuguese for the elderly in care homes in the Algarve and who this year performed at the DSA Christmas Bazaar. Singing ‘Feliz Navidad’ and ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ to the gathering crowd, children and parents were happily singing and clapping along.
On the lawn in front of the school’s main building, a Moroccan-type tent was erected, where parents could browse and purchase handcrafted Christmas decorations, sweets, cookies and much more, all produced by the diligent little hands of their children. Some of the funds raised through these purchases will go to the children’s home in Portimão, Lar de Crianças Bom Samaritano.
Whilst the guests did some last-minute Christmas shopping or indulged in culinary treats outside, the main programme started in the assembly hall inside. Each class had the opportunity to present a song, piece or sketch on stage and, as always, proud parents were filming with joy the various entertaining performances – some laughing heartily, some moved to tears with emotion.
A flash mob performance of ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’ finally shook off even the ‘grinchiest’ thought and, when the buffet opened, Rudolph the red nosed reindeer was under serious competition from the beaming faces of happy parents and pupils.
As usual, the buffet food was provided by the parents and teachers, which made it a very international and tasty experience.
Soon after came another highlight of the Bazaar: the raffle. This is mainly organised by a group of dedicated parents called Friends of the DSA (FDSA), which supports the school when in need. Last year, the FDSA financed the reading programme ‘Antolin’ and built a sustainable, eco-friendly pergola for the pupils of the secondary school to enjoy lunch outside.
This year, the group wants to organise a reading competition and provide the younger pupils from pre-school and elementary school with a more appealing playground, investing in toys like a mud kitchen or tricycles.
Over 85 prizes were donated by various sponsors from inside and outside of the school and, being a small community, DSA and FDSA would like to take this opportunity to thank all for their generosity.
Giving, after all, is the true spirit of Christmas!
The Portugal Resident is delighted to have supported the school’s raffle this year.
