// The Rosas de Volcanes Women’s Group, founded in February 2005, consists of 11 single mothers from Balgue, on the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua. The vision of the Rosas is to “emancipate women through education, so that we may work alongside the men, and together forge a better future for our families. We are aspiring to create a more dignified life, equal and independent, in harmony with nature and human society while defending the rights and duties of women and children.”

The Rosas group is facilitated by Andrea Calfuquir, a native of Argentina. Andrea has been with Project Bona Fide for almost 3 years and is committed to working with local women to empower them in their journey for right livelihood for themselves and education for their children. Andrea is also the garden manager of the annual food systems at Bona Fide and runs our Escuela de Campo, which is focused on dissemination of knowledge based on organic methods, creation of organic food systems and seed saving. 2007 and 2008 will see the undertaking of the following projects that involve the Rosas.

• Construction of an earth oven, as the center of a community kitchen, which will be used to make baked goods, chocolate, and peanut butter all to be sold in local markets as well as the farmer’s market.
• Construction of a stone walled, lockable storage area (bodega)
• Establishment of a community garden, to encourage development of their own personal gardens
• Regenerative gardening/farming internship for four women, with Finca Bona Fide farm.
• Nursing school scholarship for Aleida (one High School graduate from the group)
• Field trips to create networks with other women’s groups in Nicaragua
• A water catchment/storage system
• Host incoming teachers from nearby communities to hold workshops on medicinal plants, women’s health issues, etc.