Las Campanitas Group

The colorful traditional textiles of Mayan women are admired throughout the world and are proudly worn by these ladies. Twenty-four year old Marta, mother of two children who are two and three, has been selling traditional textiles for six years in her community in the department/state of Quiche. She has a special place in her home where she displays the outfits. Five years ago, she added another business raising chickens and turkeys. She would like a fifth Kiva loan to buy more clothing at this important time of the year. Her goals are to continue to expand the business, have her own storefront and with her additional earnings, and begin to sell flowers as there is much demand for them!

Six Maya “K’iche” women elected Marta to be the president of their Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Las Campanitas”. They have the same businesses as Marta. They appreciate participating in the Microcredit Plus program of loans, education, and health care services. Recent topics for the training were centered around business and included information about being an effective entrepreneur and business administration. Education is important to these ladies as they have little or no formal education. Other topics covered during the training are drawn from three areas: women’s issues, family matters, and health. Every two months, a traveling nurse offers them all kinds of exams, consults and family planning.

Thank you, Kiva!

In this group: Tomasa , Tomasa , Marta , Maria , Petronila , Rafaela, Ana