The “Jicaltepec” group is called thus because that’s the name of the place the members are from; it is near Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca. The members are merchants selling a variety of food products: Rebeca M. and Juana G. sell tacos; Sotera G., Eustolia V. and Ricardo S. sell breakfasts in a school; Oralia S. hand knits napkins to sell; Teresa T., Carmela L. M. and Eustolia G. sell tamales; Ofelia S. sells Totopos (corn chips); Maria L. sells dinners (prepared meals and snacks like: sopes (fried tortilla dough circles topped with various toppings), enchiladas, tacos, empanadas).

Maria L. G. is married and has three children; they are 9, 12, and 14 years of age. She decided to sell food because this is something she has done for many years. She now has her own work place and the loan money that she has requested from the Foundation will be used to buy building materials and supplies like: cement, sand and whitewash and to pay labor costs to enlarge her eatery because she wants her customers to be comfortable when they come.

She comments that she likes working with her fellow group members because she knows all of them and trusts that they won’t have any problems repaying the loan because they are all hard-working and good payers.

She also hopes that Kiva lenders will continue to support the Foundation so that they can continue to receive the benefits that credit represents and to help their businesses grow. She also asked that we send their appreciation to all those who lend money to Kiva and that don’t forget them.