Adding to basket
Single mothers around the world carry a great responsibility, especially if they live in countries like Guatemala with limited opportunities. Ilsia, 32, a separated mother of three, ages 3 to 12, works hard at her convenience store and on her farm so two of her children can attend school.
Ilsia was able to attend school for only six years because her parents couldn't afford to send her longer. Eight years ago, she opened a convenience store in her home. Her mother and eldest son help her with the business. She also knits traditional skirts/cuts and has an employee to help her. She also grows a small plot of corn for her family. Her goal is to increase the size of her store to raise her family's standard of living. Her first loan from Kiva would be used to increase store inventory and to buy fertilizer for her corn patch.
Ilsia has joined six Maya Ixil women who share this loan and also live in the department/state of Quiché to participate in the Puente de Amistad “Microcredit Plus” program of loans, monthly educational training (business, health, family, women) and health care services bimonthly (examinations, consultations, family planning). The group's trust bank is called “Las Flores de Sajubal” and Ilsia is the president. They look forward to their meetings where they offer each other support and learn many new things that will help them empower themselves and build a better life. They thank Kiva lenders for helping them!
In this group: Cesilia Areli, Agar Jeanette, Santos Aleyda , Raquel Neftalina , Catarina Debora , Juana , Ilsia Maria
