Adding to basket
With the help of Kiva investors, Friendship Bridge is changing the lives of nearly 30,000 Guatemalan ladies with its “Microcredit Plus” program (loans + education). The women are determined to empower themselves, expand their small businesses, and educate their children. This is what seven Maya K’iche women, members of the Trust Bank “Flor de Candelaria”, located in Santa Cruz El Quiche are doing. They are thrilled to begin their first loan cycle with Kiva.
They want to infuse capital into their businesses that include animal husbandry (chickens, turkeys, pigs), traditional textiles (woven wrap around skirts or “cortes”), prepared foods & convenience stores.
Maria is a member of the group, with various businesses that include textile production & a prepared food business. She is requesting a loan to buy supplies for the textile business (thread, zippers, decorations, fabrics) & a cylinder of gas to prepare her delicious “tortillas” with meat & vegetables.
With her 6th grade education, Maria understands that it is important that her 9 children (13-32) have their own complete educations. Some of them have & she is determined that the younger ones complete high school.
After making payments on their loans at the monthly meetings, Maria and her friends participate in educational trainings that give them an asset for life. The lessons cover a specific aspect of four main topics: women, health, family, and business.
Thank you, Kiva investors, and Happy Holidays!
In this group: Maria, Maria Yolanda, Estela Esmeralda, Marcelina Silveria, Cristina Debora, Julia Catarina, Candelaria
