Adding to basket
Pharmaceutical items and medical services are often challenging to obtain in rural areas throughout the western highlands of Guatemala. Francisca, 20, a single woman with a ninth grade education living with her parents, has a small pharmacy. Three years ago, she opened her pharmacy and rented space in her rural community in the department/state of Totonicapan. Her goals are to formalize the business and supply more inventory for her customers. Her first Kiva loan will enable her to buy more much-needed medicines to sell.
Francisca is a member of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Rosas de Chuicabal.” Seven other Maya K’iche women are in the group; they have traditional textile/embroidery businesses and pharmacies. Their monthly educational training ─ part of the “Microcredit Plus” program of loans, education and health care ─ gives them an opportunity to learn about health (hygiene, nutrition), business management (planning, budgeting), family matters (prioritizing expenses) and women’s issues (self-esteem, women’s rights/roles). Every other month, a visiting nurse comes to their community and offers all kinds of basic services, like consults and exams. She makes them feel comfortable and speaks their Maya K’iche language.
Francisca and her friends are opening doors to a brighter future thanks to their determination and hard work, along with the partnership between Kiva and Friendship Bridge. They thank Kiva lenders!
In this group: Isabel , Paulina , Francisca Elizabeth, Antonia Yolanda, Isabel Yohana, Teresa Maria , Sara Elena, Marta Bernabe
