lands of Guatemala. Each town has its own unique design. Santos, a 45 year old married mother of 5 (14-26) and grandmother of 3, has worked hard so that 4 of her children were able to attend school through high school. The youngest is in the 8th grade. Her husband is a carpenter. Thirteen years ago, Santos began her weaving business. Weaving traditional wrap around skirts are proudly worn by Mayan women throughout the high She has two floor looms and is happy that one of her children works with her. Santos arranges the thread in specific designs.

With her 6th KIVA loan, Santos will buy a large quantity of high quality thread. This is an important and busy time of the year with celebrations and holidays approaching.

Santos, along with 6 other Maya K’iche ladies, have formed the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Guadalupe Uno”. They live in the department/state of Quetzaltenango and participate in monthly educational training sessions, part of the “Microcredit Plus” program of loans, education and health care services. Learning about how to budget and invest helps them with their traditional textile businesses. They also learn about family matters (nutrition, hygiene, health) and women’s issues (rights/roles/empowerment). Every other month, the ladies have access to basic health care services. This is a crucial part of the program because the healthcare system in Guatemala is stretched thin.



Thank you, KIVA investors, for lending a helping hand to Santos and her friends.