Adding to basket
Vilma, age 42, had eight years of formal education. She shares that her mother died while she was in school, and so she had to care for the home and her four siblings. Now she is a wife and mother of four children (ages 15 to 23). The two younger children attend primary and secondary school, while the older ones are independent after attending high school. One of her daughters is married and has a daughter. She is an entrepreneur who helped her mother's business since she was young. Vilma sells different products for personal use and snacks, according to the season. Thanks to the income she earns, she is able to help her husband with household expenses.
Vilma requests her third Kiva loan. She wishes to buy traditional clothing and shoes to sell during the festivals in September, the month of Guatemala's independence. In the future, Vilma visualizes having large business with variety and her own shop.
Vilma's communal bank called “Mujeres Virtuosas” [virtuous women] includes seven women in the department/state of Baja Verapaz. In the “Microcrédito Plus” program of loans, education, and health of Puente de Amistad [Friendship Bridge] they learn about very important topics. A facilitator gives them strategies to offer new products, innovate in their businesses, and to provide good management.
Vilma is grateful to the Kiva lenders for their support of these women with dreams.
In this group: Vilma Patricia , Lilian Liseth , Graciela , Rosa Elena , Juana , Maria Isabel , Julissa Anahi
Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteer Joann S. View original language description.
