Adding to basket
Soila is a very busy 53-year-old married mother of 8 children (14-36) and 8 grandchildren who is married to a fisherman. For 32 years, she has sold fresh and dried fish, shellfish, tamales, and personal care products. Her income, combined with that of her husband, has supported the primary and secondary education of her children. This is important to her because she has a sixth grade education and understands the value of a good education.
With her first Kiva loan, Soila can buy more fresh and dried fish, especially important at this time of the year as all in her community get ready for Easter week or “Semana Santa.” She will have no problem selling the fish because it is quite popular!
As president of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Las Gaviotas” or “The Seagulls,” Soila calls the monthly meetings to order. The other six women in the group, who all live in the department/state of Retalhuleu, plan to invest in their businesses selling regional snacks, tamales, chicken (both live and butchered), fish, and shellfish. Their monthly educational sessions are interactive and designed by a facilitator, who uses games, role playing, pictures, and diagrams to share information on everyday topics like nutrition, hygiene, health, and effective business management practices. These trainings are part of the Microcredit Program.
Thank you, Kiva lenders, for your interest in Soila and her friends and for funding their loans. You are much appreciated!
In this group: Soila , Veronica , Ingrid Iliana , Edilsa Elizabeth , Mindy Roxana , Blanca Nohemi , Macedonia
