Adding to basket
Marina is married to a cardamom farmer and they have seven children (ages 7 to 23). Even though she never went to school, she has worked hard so five of her children are receiving a secondary education. Two of her children are married and she has a grandson. For nineteen years, she has made a living by selling chicken and growing cardamom. Recently, one of her sons took the initiative of studying baking techniques. This taught Marina about the importance of establishing a new business which is demanded in her community. For fifteen days, the business has been functioning and she has employed a baker to do the work and teach the family this business. She is grateful to God that she already has clients. Some of her children are helping her. She is applying for her first loan to purchase the ingredients to continue preparing delicious bread.
The Community Bank of Friendship Bridge, Las Estrellitas, is made up of eight women who speak Q'eqchi Maya and K'iche. They live in Quiché. They meet every month to make their loan payments and participate in the "Microcrédito Plus" program with loans, education, and health. Each month, they have an educational meeting that helps them with their lives and businesses, such as selling chickens, growing cardamom, and bakeries. The women use what they learn and share it with their relatives and friends.
In this group: Marina, Elsa Maria , Norma Antonia , Maricela , Marcelina, Maria Anabela , Cristina , Antonia
Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteer Lisa Munson. View original language description.
