Mujeres Pinalenses Group

Florencia, a single woman who lives with her parents and four siblings, graduated from high school where she studied bookkeeping. For six years, she has worked as an elementary school teacher. Five years ago, she began raising chickens and pigs that she sells from her home and in the local market. Two years ago, she began selling pork and cooking regional dishes, snack foods and tamales that she sells by custom order and on the street. Florencia operates her food business three times a week in the afternoon and all day on weekends. She requests her first Kiva loan to buy chickens, pigs to fatten up and butcher, and ingredients for her recipes. Her goals are to have her own storefront.

Nine women, who also live in the department/state of Suchitepequez, elected Florencia to be the President of their Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Mujeres Pinalenses.” Many have the same businesses as Florencia while others sell clothing or tortillas or manage convenience stores.

They meet monthly, make loan payments and then participate in an interactive educational training (business, health, family, women), part of the “Microcredit Plus” program of loans, education, and healthcare. Bi-monthly healthcare services (exams, consults, family planning) are also part of the program and essential to the success of these women!

Thank you, Kiva lenders, for lending a helping hand to Florencia and her friends!

In this group: Florencia , Laura Veronica , Idalia Azucena , Irma Floridalma , Mayda Judit , Maria Candelaria , Mildred Haydee , Darin Nohemy, Patricia, Anayansi