La Bendición 5 Group

26 year old Oralia was able to attend elementary school thanks to her mother's support. When Oralia was 8 years old, her father died and she grew up in extreme poverty, lacking food, clothing and shoes. At the age of 13 she started working as a domestic, where she was paid in food and clothing only. That way she helped her mother cover expenses.

At the age of 18 Oralia met her spouse. They have 2 children and are fighting together to get ahead. She became aware of loans offered by Asociación Chajulense de Mujeres Unidas por la Vida for women through a relative.

Oralia invested her first loan in raising chickens and pigs; this year she will invest her 2nd loan in ingredients required for the preparation and sale of enchiladas: corn, beets, cabbage, onions, meat, garlic, cooking oil and plates.

Oralia is the leader of La Bendición 5 group, made up of 5 women, 2 of them of Maya Ixil ethnicity, 1 of Maya Kanjobal ethnicity and 2 of Latina ethnicity. The group will invest 40% in textiles 60% in food. On average each group member has 3 children and is 34 years old. 60% are illiterate and 40% didn't complete their elementary education.

In this group: Maruca, Oralia Micaela, Rosa, Vicenta, Victoria

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerIna Rimpau. View original language description.