Adding to basket
Small food vendors are found everywhere in the western highlands of Guatemala, providing a source of income for many families. Maribel, 28, is a single mother who attended 6th grade.
She is a member of the “Rojaciente Superba Tajumulco” Friendship Bridge Community Bank and has had this business for 3 years.
Maribel sells twice a day because she gets orders at her community school. To generate additional income, she opened a grocery store a year ago. Thanks to the profits from the business, Maribel covers the educational expenses of her two children (7 and 9).
She applies for her first Kiva loan to buy vegetables, meat and spices. Maribel's expectations are that her business will grow, she will get ahead, and her children will receive higher education.
This communal bank is made up of eight women from the Maya Mam ethnic group. They live in a rural area of the department/state of San Marcos. They run small businesses such as bakeries, convenience stores and food selling.
The women learn how to run their businesses at their monthly educational trainings. Topics like planning, budgeting and investing are vital. They also learn about health, nutrition, and self-esteem. Friendship Bridge calls this combination of loans, education and health care "Microcredit Plus."
Kiva money lenders associated with Friendship Bridge are important in the lives of these women. Thank you!
In this group: Silvia Elizabeth, Rosmery , Bertha Alicia , Ursula Vidalia , Maria Magdalena , Mirna Fidelia , Maribel , Catalina
Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteer E. Power. View original language description.
