BRICKS TO BREAD COSTA RICA PROJECTS

ASOME WOMEN’S GROUP – LA ESMERALDA DE SIQUIRRES

THE COMMUNITY

About 500 people make up La Esmeralda de Siquirres. They are nestled inland of the Límon territory and surrounded by other communities and resources, but they have little of their own. With nothing more than a community center, a soccer field, one convenience store, and the ASOME property, women must leave their community to work. For diversion, area residents and visitors enjoy a local swimming hole on the weekends.

THE FAMILIES

This group consists of 11 entrepreneurs, of which 10 are single, unemployed women running households with children of all ages. ASOME stands for the Association of Women in Esmeralda. The group’s objectives are two-fold: create jobs for women and develop a community recreational area and gathering space with a small “soda”(a cafe-like restaurant). Their vision is a perfect fit for Bricks to Bread.

LIVES CHANGED

The ASOME women launched their brick oven in 2021 and they have been selling meals and fresh breads in their community and in neighboring grocery stores.