👧 It all started with a sewing machine… and the desire to change the world.
Ivone started sewing when she was only 14 years old. Years later, in 1994, at the age of 22, she moved to the neighborhood of São Paulo, in Bissau. There she decided to share what she knew and transform the reality of other women in her community.
In a society where professional sewing was dominated by men, Ivone created a small school to teach women to sew, to dream and to be independent.
Her initiative was pioneering. She taught not only to sew, but also to believe in themselves.
📚 When teaching sewing was no longer enough
Over time, Ivone realized that many of her students could neither read nor write. So she expanded her school’s mission: she began to teach women to read and write while they learned to sew.
For years, the school was a refuge where dozens of women learned to write their names, read their rights and embroider their own paths.
🧵 Bontche is born: a cooperative made of yarn and dignity
In 2018, a new obstacle emerged: many women completing the course could not afford to buy a sewing machine, fabrics or tools to work on their own.
Ivone, once again, responded with action: she created a cooperative, a space where women without resources could continue sewing, generate income and grow together.
Today, Bontche is much more than a school: it is a living, creative and supportive community.
👩🏾🔧 30 learning, 10 working, all moving forward
Currently, 30 women learn every day at Bontche, paying only a symbolic fee of 5,000 CFA francs (about 7.5 €).
After 6 months of training, many of them join the cooperative, where they continue to work with pride and autonomy.
🎨 You can buy… or imagine your own garment…
One of the most special experiences at Bontche is that you can not only buy ready-made products – such as bags, backpacks, shirts, cases or clothing – but also create your own personalized piece.
The women show you the fabrics available, help you design the ideal garment, and together they transform your idea into reality.
Whether it’s a bag, a shirt or anything you can imagine… they make it by hand, with love and perfection.
📍 Where to find Bontche
You can visit the project in two locations:
🛍 At the Bissau handicraft market, where they have a small stall with finished products.
🏠 In the school/workshop on Reno N’djaca Street, in the neighborhood of São Paulo, where everything happens: teaching, creation and transformation.
We highly recommend visiting the workshop: you will see the women in action, learn their stories and live a real and moving experience.
🌍 Tourism with purpose: Consulmar Travel supports
At Consulmar Travel, we believe in tourism that transforms.
That’s why we not only give visibility to Bontche, but also take our travelers there. We know that every visit, every purchase and every gesture counts – and multiplies the impact of this inspiring project.
Traveling is also a way to contribute. And projects like this one deserve to be supported.
💬 Do you want to include this visit in your trip to Guinea-Bissau?
We talk to you and help you organize it.
Because supporting these women is more than buying a product: it is betting on a better future, handmade, with thread, needle and hope.
