Adding to basket
Seven Maya Kaqchikel women, who live in the department/state of Chimaltenango, have joined together and formed the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank, Mujeres Kotzij, that means “Women of Flowers” in their native Maya language. They are farmers (strawberries, potatoes), raise livestock and have traditional textile businesses. This is their 3rd KIVA loan cycle, and they are looking forward to injecting capital into their businesses.
The only member of the group with a 9th grade education is 27 year old Mercedes. Because of this, she is the Secretary of the Trust Bank. Mercedes has a 7-year-old son who is in kindergarten. She is requesting a KIVA loan to bolster her traditional textile businesses and would like to buy thread at the wholesale level, as well as a variety of elaborate woven traditional belts (fajas) and colorful blouses (huipiles).
Mercedes wants KIVA investors to know that besides being most appreciative for loan support, she also benefits greatly from monthly educational trainings and healthcare services, part of the Microcredit Plus program of Friendship Bridge. The topics for the monthly educational trainings give her information about her business (planning, budgeting, investing, savings), her family (hygiene, nutrition, health) and herself (women’s roles/rights, self esteem, empowerment).
These women are poised to step into a brighter future, benefiting themselves, their families and their community in Chimaltenango. Thank you, KIVA investors!
In this group: Maria, Elena, Lidia, Berta Julia , Regina , Mercedes , Magdalena
