Adding to basket
Many indigenous women in Guatemala have worked in the textile industry for years. This has maintained the country's living culture and has served to generate income and support for the development of many families.
Such is the case of María, a young woman who only has a sixth grade education, and lives in the department/state of Totonicapan. She got married when she was 16 years old. Now, she is 26 years old with two children (5 and 9) and is expecting her third child.
María has a traditional textile business and embroiders beautiful aprons that she sells in the local market or by special order. She is a member of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Canasta Seca”. She is requesting her first Kiva loan to buy fabrics, yarn, needles, buttons, zippers and other decor for the business. Maria wants to have plenty of supplies available. She is proud to help her husband, who is a bricklayer, meet the needs of the children, including their education, nutrition and health.
Education is important to these women. Maria returned to school this year and has used some of the income from her business to pay for the expenses. She shares, “It is never too late to go back to school, and so that is why I returned to study in seventh grade. I am excited!”
Maria and seven other enterprising women in the Trust Bank participate in monthly educational programs (business, health, family, women), part of the “Microcredit Plus” program of loans, education and healthcare services.
Thank you, Kiva lenders!!
In this group: Catarina , Maria , Ana Aracely , Cecilia , Francisca , Maria Floridalma , Isabel , Magdalena
