Mujeres El Recuerdo Group

Luisa, a 63-year-old mother of four grown children (over the age of 29) and a grandmother of 13, shares that her mother died when she was 11 years old. She could not attend school, but she didn’t give up, and looked for ways to move ahead. Ten years ago, she opened her convenience store and also started raising chickens and turkeys. Luisa operates both businesses from her home in the department/state of Suchitepequez. Her store is popular in the neighborhood because Luisa offers a variety of quality merchandise at good prices. She is requesting her fourth Kiva loan to buy everyday items and cleaning products, snack foods, and beverages. Her goal is to save enough so that she can remodel her home!

Luisa joined eight other women and formed the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Mujeres El Recuerdo”. Since they have little or no formal education, healthcare is challenging to access, as are loans. They feel fortunate to participate in the “Microcredit Plus” program (loans, education, and healthcare). A facilitator - using pictures, diagrams, role playing, and games - shares information about business, family, women, and health. Luisa and her friends apply what they learn to their businesses, which include selling regional prepared food, catalog sales, convenience stores, and animal husbandry. Every two months, they have access to basic healthcare services including exams, consults, and family planning.

Thank you, Kiva lenders, for lending a helping hand to Luisa and her friends.

In this group: Zoila Lorena, Iris Guisela, Felipa, Miriam Marisela , Luisa Alonzo , Nohelia Elizabeth , Dora Yojana , Maria Ester , Amanda