With continuous work in Cape Verde since 2001 and a solid partnership of several years with the municipalities of Maio and Loures, IMVF has kept a close eye on the evolution and development of the archipelago – specifically on the island of Maio – and its constraints and potential.
The Tourist Dynamization and Requalification project on Ilha do Maio started in March 2016 and focuses on local entrepreneurship (as a means) for the affirmation of Ilha do Maio as a sustainable and supportive tourist destination (as an end). The Solidarity and Community Tourism project on the island of Maio started in December 2017 and is based on the reinforcement of sustainable economic initiatives in support of the local tourism sector. With the development of a solidary and sustainable tourism product, implemented and managed locally, the intention is to boost the local economy and enhance the traditional cultural and environmental traits.
Dani Martins (Dani), participant in Entrepreneurship Training
“I participated in a training in the area of entrepreneurship, in which we were trained to create our own business or for those who already have it, in order to acquire more tools, in terms of management, with greater consistency, enabling us to expand the business. The formation was very good. We did it in 3 periods, starting in the summer and ending in December. I acquired experience, met other colleagues and together we clarified many doubts. In my case, I have my business, but sometimes there are aspects that I can’t master, mainly in the economic and financial area, so I learned a lot. I hope that more training of this type will appear for people who have not participated. This training will help me in my business in the future. We are 20 young people from whom the best projects will be chosen.I hope that mine will be selected, because there is a budget that can help me financially in remodeling the space where I have my business, promoting an improvement, and allowing me to serve and receive my customers. ”
Francisca Gonçalves (Cheila), participant in the Fish Formation
“We were 5 fishmongers from the city of Porto Inglês to participate in the training. We learned a lot about canned fish, which we didn’t know. We ended up putting this knowledge into practice, although there is a lack of machines to preserve fish, we managed to sell and move to the city of Praia, where we were invited to an exhibition. Finally, we thank the European Union for this training and for everything it has given us. ”
Jerónimo Ribeiro (Jerone), support for grog production
“The support was very good, as it helps us to improve the production of grog [typical Cape Verdean drink]. Support is important, because the grog must have quality. The places where grog is produced must have conditions and be clean, as it is produced to be consumed by everyone, and so when they drink a cup, they feel more quality. And the grog of Maio is, nowadays, very well known. This place will be better prepared to receive anyone who comes here to drink groggy with ease. ”
Isidora Pina (Nanana), participant in Craft Training
“In the training given by D. Cândida we learned good things. Although we need more time, we learned a lot, namely how to make ladies’ bags, key chains, kitchen sets and some pieces in the sewing area like document holders and jewelry boxes. After training, we continue to do our job and we are having several orders for cooking games and bread bags, as there has been greater demand. ”
Julieta Dono, local coordinator of the Touristic Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Project on Ilha do Maio
“With the Ilha do Maio Tourism Stimulation and Rehabilitation Project, we can see several improvements in the communities. Areas were rehabilitated, plants were planted, facades painted to beautify the city. Various training courses were also given in handicrafts, fish conservation and, also, in the salt pans, introducing new products for the ladies of Cooperativa do Sal. In addition, the Salinas Interpretative Center was created, which will continue over the years. This Center talks about the history of the salt flats and the island of Maio and has a store for selling the island’s handcrafted products, generating income for the families we work with throughout the project ”.
Rosalina Cardoso (Rosalina), participant in several formations for the Dom João Cheese Association
“The first training we received was from Messrs. Jacinto Santos and Floresvindo Barbosa and from there we formed the Association with 16 women who started working at Queijaria Dom João, in late 2017, taking the milk to produce the cheese. Then we received another training from Mrs. Góia, who taught us how to prepare cheese production, in terms of the amount of milk, salt, rennet, among other ingredients. The excess production led some people to start producing cheese at home, in order to reduce the quantity and prevent the product from deteriorating, as the market was small. The cheese factory is a great investment for us, as it is here in the area, close to the house and where we bring the milk and produce the cheese. We also received training with Mrs.Maria José, who addressed the issue of hygiene and the care to be taken in the cheese factory, as this influences the quality of the cheese. Finally, the training given by Mr. Mário Moniz was very good, as he taught us the management and accounting part. In short, all training courses had a great impact, so we commend the contribution of the City Council and the European Union. Before we produced cheese in our homes and we didn’t have the materials, like gloves, masks, and in addition, it generated more profit. We currently have money deposited in the bank and in the event of a failure in the glacier, for example, we can repair it. ”so we commend the contribution of the City Council and the European Union. Before we produced cheese in our homes and we didn’t have the materials, like gloves, masks, and in addition, it generated more profit. We currently have money deposited in the bank and in the event of a failure in the glacier, for example, we can repair it. ”so we commend the contribution of the City Council and the European Union. Before we produced cheese in our homes and we didn’t have the materials, like gloves, masks, and in addition, it generated more profit. We currently have money deposited in the bank and in the event of a failure in the glacier, for example, we can repair it. ”
The Tourist Promotion and Requalification projects on Ilha do Maio and Solidarity and Community Tourism on the island of Maio are implemented by IMVF, the Municipality of Maio and the Municipality of Loures, and financed by the European Union and Camões, IP and have as their entity associated with the Tourism Development Society of the Islands of Boa Vista and Maio and the Municipality of Boa Vista.
Vozes do Desenvolvimento | Testemunhos da Ilha do Maio, Cabo Verde – IMVF (Instituto Marquês de Valle Flôr).
