A loan helped to give 90 inmates training, jobs and income to support their families while in prison.


Project Pietà's story

More than 70% of male inmates and 85% of female inmates in Peru’s prison system have children to support at home and no opportunities for earning income legally while serving their sentences.

Project Pietà is a social enterprise and clothing label that was founded by Thomas, a fashion designer, specifically to help inmates independently earn income to support their families while in prison. They are also able to build valuable work experience to assist in securing jobs upon release.

Inmates are paid a portion of the sale price for each unit of clothing they produce, resulting in a reliable income they can send home to their families. Upon release, former inmates can continue working with Pietà or seek jobs at other companies with Pietà’s recommendation and support.

Your Kiva loan will help Project Pietà grow its business to employ more than 90 current and former inmates by 2018. Pietà plans to open an additional retail store in Peru and a new distribution center to support increased online and international sales. The loan will go towards the initial rent, furniture and computer equipment needed for the launch of these new facilities.

With your support, inmates in Peru will have the opportunity for a second chance at providing support for their families both in prison and upon reintegration into society.


This loan is special because:

It supports businesses that are too big for microfinance but too small for banks.



Loan details


Lenders and lending teams




Loan details