The scent of red earth, the vibrant sounds of children’s laughter, and the relentless African sun beat down on what was once an ‘infinite’ piece of land. This is Bunda, Tanzania, now home to ‘San Francesco Village,’ a testament to the unwavering dedication of Francesco Testa, a 64-year-old municipal clerk from Pozzuoli, Italy, and his wife, Adele Gigante.
A Dream Born in the Heart of Africa
Sixteen years ago, Francesco, then a seasoned traveler, felt an irresistible pull back to Africa. What began as a planned two-week trip stretched into four months, a period during which he fell deeply in love with the land and its people. “I wanted to leave something behind there,” he recounts, his eyes reflecting the distant plains. Initially, he helped complete a school, but a grander vision began to take shape.
With a modest 6,000 euros, Francesco purchased a plot of land that seemed boundless. “Now there’s no more space; I’ve built everywhere,” he says with a smile, recalling the challenges of employing local workers, navigating language barriers, but always marveling at their masonry skills. Thus began the construction of a small city, a haven for the most vulnerable.
The Village of San Francesco: A Beacon of Hope
Today, ‘San Francesco Village’ is far more than just a collection of buildings. It’s a thriving community boasting primary schools, infirmaries, and essential wells for drinking water. A multi-specialty clinic, staffed by volunteer doctors from Italy, provides crucial medical care. Even rice paddies have been established, offering a vital source of sustenance for the numerous children who find refuge here – orphans and those with albinism, often ostracized or persecuted in the region.
“We consider them all our children,” explains Testa, whose life, along with Adele’s, is now divided between Italy and Tanzania. To dedicate himself fully to this calling, Francesco took a leave of absence from his municipal job, a decision he traces back to his youth spent volunteering with children and the elderly. His journey to Africa was further inspired by a Tanzanian priest friend.
Protecting the Vulnerable: A Special Mission
The village’s activities are organized through their association, “Africa in Testa,” with a particular focus on albino children. In some parts of Africa, these children face severe persecution due to harmful superstitions that associate their bones with magical properties or wealth. “It is believed that the bones of albinos can bring benefits or wealth, which is why they are killed,” Adele explains, her voice laced with concern. “We have 24/7 security to protect them.”
Currently, the village hosts around seventy children and young people, fourteen of whom are albino. They are provided with food, lodging, and education within the village. Once they complete primary school, their education continues outside, always under the watchful care of the association. The youngest resident is just one year old, the oldest fifteen.
Adele’s Journey: From Prada to Philanthropy
Adele Gigante’s path to Africa is equally compelling. When she met Francesco, she left her job at Prada to join him in this extraordinary adventure. “Today I am fifty years old,” she shares, “and I am happy with this choice.” Their commitment is so profound that three young residents of the village, Alex, Elias, and Benedetto, are currently in Naples for a well-deserved holiday, a testament to the deep bonds forged.
The day-to-day operations of the African town are now managed by four nuns from the order of the Little Eucharistic Missionaries. Their work is sustained by five per mille contributions and fundraising efforts, including an annual charity concert held in Naples. The next concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 18th, at 8:45 PM at the Palapartenope.
How You Can Help: A Community Effort
Adele emphasizes that everyone can contribute, even by visiting the village. “Anyone who wants to contribute can do so either through the five per mille or with donations to the association (africaintesta.it), or by coming with us, with a minimum availability of fifteen days.” She highlights that all help is valuable, from mowing the grass to assisting in the kitchen. “Then tell your story and make us exist that way too.”
Francesco Testa and Adele Gigante’s story is a powerful reminder that one person’s vision, fueled by compassion and unwavering dedication, can transform lives and build communities, one brick, one child, one dream at a time.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_dicembre_12/francesco-testa-l-impiegato-di-pozzuoli-che-ha-fondato-una-citta-in-africa-4cc78265-e730-4a2f-8ca6-272dc3361xlk.shtml
