San Juan La Laguna is a lovely little town on the shores of the majestic Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. A new Friendship Bridge Trust Bank was formed here that is called “Juaneras,” meaning “Women of San Juan.” The group is composed of seven women who are mostly weavers. They also work with natural dyes, and their products are very lovely.

Julia is a younger member of the group. She is 23 years of age, single and eager to excel. Like most of the women of San Juan La Laguna, Julia learned to weave when she was a child. She currently owns a textile shop along with her mother. Julia is requesting a new loan in order to sustain and grow her business. She plans to purchase yarn and then using natural dyes, transform it into beautiful colors. She will then weave it into beautiful fabrics that will become scarves, shawls and table runners. Julia is very pleased to participate in this business because it allowed her to finish high school and enter college. She is studying business administration. Julia sets a wonderful example for the other women in her Trust Bank.

During the monthly meetings, the women not only make payments on their loans but also receive educational training from a Friendship Bridge Loan Officer. For many of the women, it is the first time that they are learning in an educational setting, as they began working as children and did not have the opportunity to attend school. The ladies learn about business administration, marketing and budgeting as well as women’s health and leadership, self-esteem and empowerment.

Kiva investors are greatly appreciated by Friendship Bridge clients like Julia. Armed with small loans and educational training that Friendship Bridge calls “microcredit plus,” the women can step more confidently and empowered into a more successful future. Their families and their community will realize benefits as well. Thank you, Kiva investors!