Women of the south visit

TEULADA welcomed a delegation of women artisans from Ecuador last week for a visit organised by Valencian NGO El Fons, a non­profit that raises awareness and supports organisations that help women and marginalised groups in different countries.

During their visit, the women shared their experiences and talked about their struggle for independence, equality and social and economic justice.

This ‘Women of the South’ programme has been running since 2004, and this year it was highlighting the work of the Padre Rafael González cooperative in the Ecuadorian town of Bibiián, and its project to empower women in vulnerable situations.

The women are skills artisans who create handicrafts with the ‘Bibilak’ brand. They have been taught to run their own business, and after receiving technical training and learning how to use machines, they are using their knowhow to create a valuable international brand that will secure their future.

More than 130 women and their families have benefited from this project over the last seven years, both financially and in terms of their independence, self esteem and quality of life.

The El Fons works to improve people’s lives of people in Ecuador, Bolivia and El Salvador.

the region is making it even harder for people to get the help they need. The Red Cross’ local teams are working at full speed to support the communities, but need funds to purchase supplies and we hope that our customers and team will give generously to enable them to continue to do their amazingly valuable work.”

Pop in and make a donation. You can find Spec ­ savers Ópticas Javea at Avenida Del Pla 125, Edificio Caribe, Local 6 (just off the Carretera Cabo la Nao­Pla, near Servicolor).

Donations can also be made on the Red Cross website www.cruzroja.es , via Bizum to 33512 and by SMS by sending the word TERREMOTO to 38088 to give €3.

AN action packed weekend saw both the Under 16s and the seniors recording fine wins against tough opposition.

First up was the Ba Bas S16s who travelled to local rivals Inter of Valencia (a combination of three clubs, Alzira, Cullera and Tavernes).

The game was hard fought and it was evident from the first whistle the players meant business.

The Barbarians went into half time leading 22-0. The second half was more competitive however the away team ran out comfortable winners 29-0.

Following on from this superb victory, the seniors took on Tatami Saturday afternoon. The visitors opened the scoring in the second half but, just like their under 16 counterparts, the Barbarian defence held out Tatami for long periods of the game.

As the home team tired, the visitors ran in another try to win 22-7.

Next games will see the M16 at home Sunday March 12 in Denia at 11am against local rivals La Vila, whilst the seniors play the same day at