Amistad Santo Tomas Group

Being an entrepreneur is a powerful way for women who live in rural areas of Guatemala to empower themselves, earn income, educate their children and support their households. Julia, a 54-year-old single mother of four grown children who range in age from 22 to 28, was able to give them an average of seven years of formal education. (Julia only attended school for three years). Each of the children is married, and Julia is a grandmother of seven. Twenty-four years ago, Julia began to work six days weekly in nearby houses doing housework. Six years ago, she began selling catalog products. She requests a Kiva loan to buy personal care, kitchen and cleaning products.

Julia and seven friends are members of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Amistad Santo Tomas” in the department/state of Huehuetenango. Some have the same business as Julia while others have convenience stores, raise chickens, or work on their vegetable farms. A monthly educational training, part of the “Microcredit Plus” program, is tremendously useful for them as they learn how to best manage their businesses, care for their families and empower themselves. A facilitator uses pictures, diagrams, role playing and games to share information about nutrition, hygiene, the dangers of over-indebtedness and other relevant topics.

Thank you, Kiva lenders, for lending a helping hand! Julia and the ladies in the "Amistad Santo Tomas” Trust Bank appreciate your support!

In this group: Gregoria, Julia , Elsa Ernestina, Wendy Natividad , Marili Judit , Merlin Valeska , Erica Nataly , Francisca