Adding to basket
Sacatepéquez is a tranquil department in the Western Highlands of Guatemala that was founded in 1580 on an agricultural based economy. One of the towns is Santo Domingo Xenacoj that is known to visitors for the finely woven and embroidered traditional blouses called “huipiles” (wee-pee-les) that are handmade there.
The Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Tres Estrellas Xenacoj” or “Three Stars of Xenacoj” was formed here by motivated women who can visualize the path to a more prosperous future for themselves and their families. The Treasurer of the Trust Bank is 32 year old Maria who was able to stay in school until the 2nd grade. She is a single mother of a 15 year old son who is in high school. Maria has a textile business and creates the beautiful “huipiles” of the town as well as the ornately detailed belts called “fajas”. She also makes elaborate napkins. Maria is requesting a loan that she hopes will be funded by KIVA investors to buy high quality German threads made of silk, cotton and metallic sparkling material in various colors. German thread is of extremely high quality and in great demand by the women in their textile businesses.
The ladies average age in this trust bank is 40 years and they mainly have handicrafts businesses. They sell in the local market. The women have had little or no formal education but do not see this as an obstacle as they forge ahead with their businesses and their lives. They are aware of the tremendous value of education for their children and this is a prime motivation for them to make their businesses successful.
Maria takes care of her duties as Treasurer at the monthly meetings of the Trust Bank. After business is conducted at the meetings, a Facilitator from Friendship Bridge conducts educational trainings on relevant topics including hygiene, health and nutrition as well as self esteem and empowerment.
Thank you, KIVA investors, for your kindness and generosity in funding loans for ladies like Maria. She is already taking the steps toward a brighter future for herself, her family and her community.
In this group: Maria Cristina, Maria Buenaventura, Nery, Candy Roselia, Ingrid Carolina, Maria Isabel, Antonia Felipa, Blanca Leticia, Elsa
