🏫⛰ Help Us in Restoring the Old School of Demati and Building the First Mountain Support Center!

Nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Epirus, the village of Demati has stood as a symbol of resilience and beauty. Once brimming with life, its Old Primary School has been silent since the 1980s when the village's last residents left, many emigrating to Philadelphia, USA.

In 2023, The High Mountains Social Cooperative Enterprise was entrusted with this historic building by the Municipality of Zagori. Founded in 2016, The High Mountains is dedicated to supporting those who live and work in Greece's high mountains. Through networking, innovation, and solidarity, we aim to create thriving, self-sustaining mountain communities.

By February 2024, we reopened its doors—not as a school, but as a new beacon of hope. The school now houses our offices and a collaborative workspace, but we have an even bigger dream: to transform it into a Mountain Support Center, a hub to breathe new life into mountain villages like Demati.

Your support can make this vision a reality. Together, we can promote deurbanization, repopulation, and sustainable development for mountain communities.

⛰ Discover Demati Village

Demati, a serene village in Eastern Zagori, rests on the slopes of North Pindus at 1,020 meters, overlooking the majestic Mount Lakmos (Peristeri). Unlike the more touristy Central Zagori, Demati remains untouched, preserving its authenticity and tranquility. Located 37 km from Ioannina and 27 km from Metsovo via the Egnatia Highway, the village is home to just four permanent residents, with most homes owned by families who return from America during the summers.

In Demati, each household tends a garden nourished by a central spring-fed reservoir, embodying the resourcefulness of mountain life. By restoring its Old Primary School, we aim to honor this heritage and breathe new life into the heart of the village.

🌿Our Vision

This project aligns with our mission at The High Mountains: to promote deurbanization, support mountain production, and foster social cohesion in mountain communities. Since our founding in 2016, we’ve worked tirelessly to create opportunities for those living and producing in mountainous areas while encouraging new settlers to embrace mountain life. This Mountain Support Center will be a vital part of that mission.

🎯Our goals

• Encourage Deurbanization: Empower people to leave urban centers and embrace life in mountain villages.
• Support Existing Communities: Provide resources, training, and opportunities for current residents.
• Inspire New Generations: Revitalize these spaces as vibrant hubs for creativity, collaboration, and sustainable living.

🌳Why This Matters

• Preserving our heritage: The school represents a rich history that must be honored and shared.
• Supporting the community:The center will offer resources to local farmers, artisans, and families.
• Reviving the village: By creating a hub for activity, we can encourage repopulation and attract visitors and new residents.

🛠 How You Can Help

Your contribution will go directly toward:

• Building Repairs: Restoring the structure, including roof repairs, flooring, and walls | ~ €2.500
• Utilities Installation: Updating plumbing and electrical systems | ~ €1.000
• Heating Installation: Ensuring the building remains warm and welcoming year-round | ~ €2.500
• Workspace Setup: Furnishing the collaborative spaces with desks, chairs, and technology | ~ €1.500
• Fully Equipped Kitchen: Creating a functional kitchen space for community use | ~ €2.500
• Community Space Design: Creating areas for gatherings, workshops, and training | ~ €2.000

📅Timeline

• February 2024: The Old Primary School was reopened as a collaborative workspace and the offices of The High Mountains Social Cooperative Enterprise.
• May 2024: The school was officially opened to the public with a big celebration in Demati, marking the beginning of its transformation.
• April 2025: The crowdfunding campaign concludes. Funds raised will be allocated to renovation and development activities.
• May - July 2025: Initial renovations begin, focusing on structural repairs, utilities installation, and essential updates.
• August - October 2025: Interior spaces are designed and equipped, including the kitchen and work areas, culminating in the launch of the Mountain Support Center.

💌🎁Perks for Your Support:

We want to thank you for being part of this journey! Depending on your contribution, you can receive:

• ≤ €100: A heartfelt thank-you email with project updates.
• ≥ €250: A spot on our commemorative plaque in the Mountain Support Center.
• ≥ €500: An invitation to the grand reopening ceremony (in-person or virtual) and a special tour of the center.
• €1000: Recognition as a key supporter, a curated basket of local goods, and a personalized guided tour of Demati village. We want to thank you for being part of this journey!

⛰ About The High Mountains

Founded in 2016, The High Mountains Social Cooperative Enterprise operates in the highlands of Greece, particularly in Eastern Zagori. Our mission is to support individuals, cultural associations, and communities in mountain areas while fostering social cohesion and sustainable development. Through solidarity tourism, education, and promoting mountain production, we aim to create thriving communities in Greece’s high mountains.

Operating within the framework of the Social and Solidarity Economy, we prioritize achieving our social purpose over maximizing profitability. For us, "profit" means creating quality jobs, developing appropriate infrastructure, and addressing issues that lead to sustainable communities.

By supporting this campaign, you are also supporting a broader vision: to build a future where mountain life is vibrant, fulfilling, and sustainable.