Adding to basket
Many Mayan women who live in rural areas in Guatemala have little or no formal education. However, they are determined, resourceful and find ways to develop businesses and earn a living. Forty-four year old María, a married mother of four children, who range in age from nine to nineteen, is one of these women. She opened her business selling corn four years ago. Two years later, she added another business selling used American clothing. She sells from her home and from a rented space. María is well-known in her area and her businesses are growing. She requests her fourth Kiva loan to buy new styles of clothing and corn at the wholesale level.
María is one of eight Spanish-speaking and Maya Achi women in the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Mujeres de Palimon”. Some have convenience stores and tortilla shops while others have the same businesses as María. They meet monthly, make loan payments and participate in an interactive educational training, part of the “Microcredit Plus” program. Topics range from health, hygiene and nutrition to effective business management practices. A Facilitator designs the training and uses pictures, diagrams, role playing and games to share the information. Every other month, the ladies have access to basic healthcare services including exams, consults and family planning. A traveling nurse speaks their Maya Achi language.
Thank you, Kiva lenders for helping María and her friends help themselves!!!
In this group: Maria , Rosalinda , Marcelina , Berta , Mirna Georgina , Maria Rosario, Irene Claudia Maria, Claudia Margot
