Aliajahu Group

34-year-old Esther, a mother of four children who range in age from four months to ten years, understands how important education is. Three of her children are in elementary school.

Esther has completed one year of high school. Her husband is a house painter. 10 years ago, she began raising chickens and pigs to sell from her home and in the local market. She requests a first Kiva loan to buy more animals and feed. Her goals are to increase the number of chickens and pigs in her yard.

Esther is one of eight Maya Achi women who formed the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Aliajahu” in the department/state of Baja Verapaz. These women have developed businesses selling fireworks, second-hand clothing, and tortillas, and raising domestic animals.

They benefit greatly from monthly educational training, designed by a Facilitator, who uses pictures, diagrams, role-playing, and games to impart information. Topics are relevant to their lives and drawn from four areas: business, health, family, and women. Recent topics have centered around women’s health and how to be an effective and successful entrepreneur.

Thank you, Kiva lenders, for your kindness in funding these much-appreciated loans! Esther and her friends are marching into a brighter future, benefiting themselves, their families, and their community!

In this group: Esther Elisea, Tranquilina, Mariela Antonieta , Maricela Elizabeth, Cristina , Emelyn Yessenia , Maria Isabel , Maria Luisa