Flor De Mayo Group

These women range in age from 26 to 54 years old and all but one of them are married and have children. About half of them have had at least a little education, although none has completed more than the sixth grade. Those who have not had any formal education cannot read or write, and sign all paperwork with a fingerprint. Regardless of how much education each woman has had, every one of them has made her children’s education a top priority. All of those with school-age children are currently able to pay for the registration fees and school supplies needed to send them to school.

When asked why they are seeking loans, they enthusiastically say that, more than anything, it’s for their children. Before they had access to credit, many were unable to pay the small costs associated with sending their children to school. Now, with the help of loans, they are able to work more and fight for a better future for their children. More directly, those working in clothing-related industries will use their loans to purchase cloth, thread, patterns and clothes in bulk, while the woman selling vegetables and chickens will use her loan to buy seeds, fertilizer and more chickens.

Several of the women also report that, in addition to being able to expand their businesses and send their children to school, having access to credit has enabled them to make improvements on their houses, such as getting better roofs or buying more cinder blocks to have more solid walls. When asked what they like most about working together in the Flor de Mayo group, they all agreed that it is a great group because everyone always pays on time and there is a lot of trust among the members. They also report that they have found the informal education programs that Friendship Bridge offers at the regular group meetings to be very helpful. Not only have they learned basic business administration and money management skills, but several say that their favorite lesson of all was learning about natural medicines such as plants, some of which they already had on hand although they never knew the benefit they could provide.

When asked about their dreams, these women report that more than anything they hope their children won’t suffer as they have suffered. They are “fighting” so that their children can advance, receive good educations, and someday be professionals with more security and a higher quality of living.



About Group Loans
In a group loan, each member of the group receives an individual loan but is part of a group of individuals bound by a group guarantee. Under this arrangement, each member of the group supports one another and is responsible for paying back the loans of their fellow group members if someone is delinquent or defaults. Learn more