Las Orquideas Group

Blandina is a 62-year-old woman who was left without a father at the age of eight. For this reason she didn't attend school. During her childhood, she was raised by her grandparents and worked in agriculture growing cardamom. She is known for being brave and 30 years ago she started her business raising and selling animals (pigs and chickens). In parallel to this business, she also makes and sells delicious regional food. She works hard and sells from a local market and from her home.

Blandina was widowed 32 years ago and had to help her two children get ahead. They are now 48-year-old adults. She wasn't able to send her children to school since they had to help her with the work and household expenses. Blandina is a grandmother to 11 grandchildren and her greatest wish is to see them become professionals. With confidence, Blandina is approaching the Kiva lenders in order to request her third loan in order to buy more animals, which will help increase her sales.

In this communal bank with Friendship Bridge called "Las Orquideas" [The Orchids] there are seven women. They live in a small community in the department/state of Quiché and they make a living raising farm animals. The women meet monthly, making loan repayments and participating in educational trainings designed by a trainer who uses images and games to share information. Among topics covered is saving.

The women send their thanks to the Kiva lenders for their support!

In this group: Modesta , Candelaria , Catalina , Maria , Blandina , Zoila Gricelda , Maria

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerAlix F. View original language description.