Adding to basket
Traditional handicrafts and textiles created in the rural areas of the Department (state) of Quiché help talented artisans to improve their living conditions. Estela, a 35-year-old K'iche 'Mayan woman, is part of the "Flor de Durazno Chichi" Community Bridge Bank. She is married and has a typical embroidered-bag business. Estela has a small workshop with five sewing machines. Weekly she delivers bulk orders. The income allows Estela to cover the food and education expenses of her six children (aged 7 to 19). All Estela's children receive primary and secondary education. She is requesting her first Kiva loan to buy two sewing machines.
Estela attended school for two years. Most women in her group have little or no formal education. They benefit from monthly educational trainings, designed by an institution facilitator who uses images, diagrams and games to share information. The topics are relevant to their lives and cover four areas: business, health, family, and women. Estela states that, "The variety of topics helps us develop and empower ourselves as businesswomen." Every two months, women can access basic health care services. (The child in the picture is the son of one of the group members).
Neglected women like Estela and her friends encounter obstacles when they need loans and health care services. Kiva, in partnership with Friendship Bridge, helps them open doors to a brighter future. Thank you!
In this group: Estela , Rafaela , Rosa , Maria Antonieta , Marta Jacinta , Josefa , Juana
