Adding to basket
Just outside of Guatemala’s second biggest city of Quetzaltenango, lies the neighboring town of Salcaja. Salcaja is known for its prolific manufacturing of the region’s typical “cortes” or dresses that are worn by Maya women. A 30-minute climb up one of these dusty roads, shared by roaming animals, is the humble community of Chitaracena.
In Chitaracena, men, women, and children work together preparing and weaving the fabrics of the region. The Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Chitaracena,” named after their community, is made up of 12 women, many of which dedicate themselves to the production of traditional dresses. “Chitaracena” is an incredibly organized, lively, empowered and motivated Trust Bank, focused on using their business to invest in their futures.
Claudia, a 21-year-old student studying medicine, is the youngest member of the group. Although Claudia is a new member of the established Trust Bank, she has the knowledge of an experienced business owner. Claudia plans to use her loan to buy the threads and materials needed for the production of typical dresses. She plans to invest the profits generated from the sale of her dresses in furthering her education. Claudia’s ultimate goal is to become a licensed nutritionist, paying her tuition with the income generated from her new business venture. With the guidance from her Trust Bank, Claudia will be able to convert her loan into an investment in her future. With the investment from Kiva lenders Claudia will be given the opportunity to achieve her goal and improve the quality of life in her country as a nutritionist. Thank you, Kiva lenders, for your generosity!
In this group: Santa Dorotea, Gregoria Judith, Margarita, Marta, Angelica Rocsana, Angela Leonarda, Mary Emiliana, Carmelina Juanta, Yolanda Isabel, Elsa Patricia, Ana Elizabeth, Claudia Del Rosario
