Adding to basket
Quetzaltenango, also known by its indigenous name of “Xelaju” or simply “Xela”, is the second -argest city in Guatemala and the home of the ten ladies who formed the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Casa de Jesus”. They have great hope for the future. They are proud to earn income for their household expenses and for the education of their children. Their businesses range from convenience stores to farming to the sale of tortillas, fruit and prepared foods.
The women are beginning their fourth loan cycle with Kiva
Lidia, a 23-year-old married mother of two children (18 mo, 3 yrs) is a farmer with a sixth grade education. She grows the “mashan” leaves that are used to wrap tamales, as well as the leaves called “colas de quetzal” ("quetzal tail ferns") that are used in flower arrangements.
Lidia is requesting a loan to buy farm tools, like rakes, machetes and hoes, to prepare the soil of her farm. Without a doubt, the funds will help her with her business and to fill orders.
Lidia and her friends meet monthly to make payments on their loans and to participate in educational trainings, part of the “Microcredit Plus” program of loans and education. The educational trainings are vital to their success. They learn about effective business tools (planning, budgeting, investing, savings), their families (nutrition, health, hygiene) and themselves (women’s rights, women’s roles, self esteem).
The dreams of these ladies could not become fulfilled without the generosity of Kiva investors.
Thank you!
In this group: Cecilia Leticia, Maria Magdalena, Lidia Elizabeth, Leticia Faviola, Victoriana Cecilia, Esmeralda Marizol, Maribely Yaholy, Carmen, Mayra Elizabeth , Azucena Leticia
