Bartolense Group

In the department/state of Quiché lives Yadira, age 19. She is married and the mother of a one-year-old child. Her husband works in a convenience store. Although Yadira has only six years of formal education, she didn't just stand around with her arms crossed. She decided to start her own business.

For six years, she has worked raising pigs, Creole chickens, and laying hens. Because of the quality of the animals she raises, people come directly to her house to buy. Occasionally Yadira sells in the local market. Due to high demand, she shares that she needs capital to buy cows, Creole chickens, and pigs, and food for them. In this way, Yadira will be able to expand her farm. She requests her second Kiva loan to make her objective a reality. In the future, Yadira aspires to open a second business, which will be a convenience store.

Eight women who speak the Maya K’iche language are members of the communal bank “Bartolense” of Puente de Amistad [Friendship Bridge]. They successfully operate their businesses selling spare parts, making traditional blouses, and raising domestic animals. This women feel fortunate to participate in the “Microcrédito Plus” program of Puente de Amistad. They receive training where they learn about good investment, savings, and prevention of women's medical problems.

Thank you, Kiva lenders, for the support of women entrepreneurs like Yadira.

In this group: Teresa , Juana Florinda , Sebastiana , Cristina , Catarina, Yadira Cecilia, Sebastiana , Josefa

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerJoann S. View original language description.