Mujeres De Pala Group

Thirty-two-year-old Juana was able to attend school through seventh grade and then couldn't continue because her parents lacked financial resources. When she was 10, she was motivated to learn to weave and would spend time with her neighbor who was a weaver and embroidered traditional textiles.

She used her imagination and talent to create new designs. Juana opened her textile business 19 years ago. Her income, combined with that of her husband, who's a day laborer, supports their five children, who range in age from 3 to 15, four of them in school. Juana requests her first Kiva loan to buy more complete traditional outfits, as well as many colors of thread in bulk. Her goal is to expand her business.

Juana has joined six other Maya K’iche women who live in the department/state of Solola and formed the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank, “Mujeres de Pala.” They all have the same businesses as Juana and will share this loan. Some advertise on social media like WhatsApp while others are street vendors. They meet monthly, make loan payments and participate in educational training (business, health, family, women). Recent topics have been women’s health and the importance of savings. Every two months, they have access to basic health care services, including exams, consults and family planning. “Microcredit Plus” is the name of this useful combination of loans, education and healthcare. Thank you, Kiva lenders!

In this group: Catarina, Catarina, Juana, Francisca , Maria , Faustina , Catarina