Adding to basket
The magnificent and intricate weavings found in traditional pieces of clothing are highly valued by the Maya people who wear them. They are admired by textile lovers and travelers from all parts of the world. Anastasia is a weaver and the Secretary of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Las Marias Chucalibal” in the department/state of Quiche. She is 23 years old, married and the mother of two young children. She weaves beautiful traditional blouses or “huipiles” on a backstrap loom. She also weaves intricate belts or “fajas”. She is requesting her first Kiva loan to buy high quality thread in various colors.
The eight Maya K’iche ladies in the Trust Bank have an average of three years of formal education. Anastasia was able to go to school for six years. These women have convenience stores and traditional textile businesses. One of the ways that they empower themselves is at their monthly educational trainings when they gain useful business management tools, and learn about every day topics like health, hygiene, nutrition and the use of medicinal plants. Anastasia adds, “Thanks to the information that I learn about, I am incorporating new designs into my weavings. I am watching my business expand as well!” Friendship Bridge calls this effective combination of loans, education and health care services “Microcredit Plus”.
It would be impossible for these women to walk into a bank to secure a loan. Thank you, Kiva investors!!!
In this group: Lucia , Josefa , Manuela , Anastasia , Pascuala , Juana Victoria , Anastasia , Juana
