Las Almendras Group

Thirty-five-year-old Lucia, a mother of two children (eleven and sixteen), has a sixth grade education and is married to a day laborer. They live in a community in the department/state of Retalhuleu where Lucia has a small store where she sells personal care and cleaning products, as well as a variety of everyday merchandise. Five years ago, she added beverages to sell. She is sensitive to the needs of her customers and after planning carefully, Lucia decided to add underwear and kitchen utensils to the store so that she can offer more variety of useful items. She requests her first Kiva loan to buy both.

Lucia has joined six other women who are determined to empower themselves and create better futures. They formed the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Las Almendras” or “The Almonds”. They meet monthly, make loan payments and participate in educational training as part of the “Microcredit Plus” program of loans, education and healthcare. These ladies have convenience stores or raise animals and learn to bolster their businesses selling casual clothing, tortillas, and chicken meat in a monthly educational training. They also learn about health, hygiene, nutrition, women’s issues and family matters. Since most of them use cell phones, they also learn about the use of social media to effectively communicate and advertise their businesses. A Facilitator designs the training and uses pictures, diagrams, role playing and games to share the information.

Thank you, Kiva lenders!

In this group: Gloria , Irma Lucrecia, Lucia Mercedes , Marina , Silvia Amarilis , Dalia Maritza, Maria