Anabela, a 29-year-old married mother of 5 children, ages 5 to 12, is a busy woman. She has a traditional textile business and embroiders colorful blouses called “huipiles.” Anabela employs 2 other people to help her fill orders. With part of her income, Anabela has been able to send her 4 older children to school.

Anabela needs more raw materials and is requesting her first Kiva loan to buy a variety of high-quality fabrics and thread at the wholesale level. She is excited about how helpful the loan will be.

Anabela is also the President of the Friendship Bridge Group “Amistad Casa Blanca.” There are 6 other women in the group who live in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. They have convenience stores, sewing workshops, and weave/embroider traditional textiles. Their income, combined with that of their husbands, covers household expenses, including the education of their children. The women offer their products to neighbors and some travel to the big market in the department/state of Totonicapan. The use of technology (Facebook, WhatsApp) has really helped them during this pandemic. Their monthly educational training sessions are vital to their success. A facilitator shares information with them in 4 areas: health, family, women, business. A visiting nurse also attends to them on a bi-monthly basis. This effective combination of education, loans, and healthcare is called “Microcredit Plus.”

Thank you, Kiva investors, for lending a helping hand to these women!