Juana's Group

Juana is 28 years old and is the oldest daughter of 5 children. Her parents help her with her studies. When she was 11 years old, she learned to weave.

She got married when she was 14 years old, her spouse worked for an institution and was able to help her continue her studies. She finished her secondary education, eleventh grade and graduated with her Bachelor's degree. They have 2 children.

She learned about the loans Asociación Chajulense de Mujeres Unidas por la Vida offers through her aunt. An advisor explained to her how she could receive a loan.

Her first loan was used to purchase and sell embroidered blouses. She realized she was doing well and received her second loan. Her third, fourth and fifth loans allowed her to invest in a general store, which has been doing very well. This year, with her sixth loan, she wants to invest in a business where she sells clothing. She hopes it will have very good profits.

Juana is the leader of the Caramelo 3 group. This group is made up of 5 women, all of Maya Ixil ethnicity. 40% of the group works in textiles and the other 60% sells wholesale products. On average, each member of the group has 3 children and the average age of the members is 43 years old. 60% of the group cannot read or write, 20% studied through eighth grade and 20% finished her secondary education, eleventh grade and graduated with her Bachelor's degree.

In this group: Juana, Juana Yesica, Justa Carmelitana, Manuela, Margarita

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerShannon Perko. View original language description.