Adding to basket
An empowered woman who goes through the Puente de Amistad organization of Friendship Bridge manages to benefit an average of three or more people, including family members, employees, and members of the community. Marta, age 31, is a wife and a mother of five children who range in age from 4 to 14. She wants to build a better future for herself and her children. To assist her husband with the household expenses, Marta started a traditional textile business 14 years ago. With the earnings from this business, she has been able to provide a primary education for all of her children. Marta employs three people who work on looms to produce traditional fabrics for making blouses. Thanks to the income her business generates, Marta’s employees are able to support their own families. She delivers 30 traditional fabrics per month. Marta is requesting her fifth Kiva loan to buy a large quantity of high-quality yarn.
Women who participate in the “Microcredit Plus” program through the Puente de Amistad organization receive access to loans, education, and medical care. These women have little or no formal education. Marta and the other six Maya Kaqchikel women in her Communal Bank group called “Flor del Campo Patzuneras” do not have a formal education. They live in a rural area in the Department of Chimaltenango. However, they understand the value of a good education and work hard to send their children to school. During their monthly training seminars, they learn about important topics that impact them personally such as business, family, health, and women’s issues.
Marta and her fellow group members thank the Kiva lenders for their interest. Kiva lenders help open doors to a brighter future for these women!
In this group: Margarita, Sonia, Alba Celeste, Dora Alicia, Herbi Maritza , Marta Estela , Maria
