Today, we officially launched the Roots & Wings Project, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering 20 women from our village. The day began at Saskia’s place, where Coach set the tone by breaking the ice and introducing us to the “6 Degrees Shift” approach to thinking. This method encourages us to expand our perspectives and consider new ways of approaching challenges, a perfect start for the journey ahead.
We broke into five groups, each tasked with answering a simple yet profound question: “Why are we here?” The discussions were lively, with each group sharing their thoughts. A plethora of words emerged, reflecting the diverse motivations and hopes of the group: work, plant, healthy community, make friends, money, learn, develop community, grow, future, experience, give back, and legacy.
After the initial session, we mixed up the groups and dove deeper into these topics, dissecting and exploring each one. Coach guided the crew through the process, encouraging them to see beyond the words they had written. It was a two-hour session that flew by, filled with insightful conversations and the kind of energy that comes from a group of people truly invested in their community and their futures.
Just as we wrapped up, Dominic from Goedgedacht arrived, bringing with him the tools and seeds that will be the foundation of our work. The women then headed off with Diana to begin the practical part of the program—working the land. Diana, the brain and brawn behind Country Lane Homestead, will be an integral part of the Roots & Wings Project. Her expertise in teaching, training, and eventually helping to move produce will be invaluable as we grow together.
Today was just the beginning, but it’s clear that the Roots & Wings Project is already taking root, both in the soil and in the hearts of these 20 women. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us and how much we’ll grow together.
