Adding to basket
Quiché is one of many departments/states in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. It is well known for its traditions and culture such as the folkloric deer and bull dances, as well as for the huge market in Chichicastenango that is visited by travelers from around the world. It is in this culturally rich area, six Maya K'iche' women formed the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank "Flor De Candelaria". They have small businesses selling snacks, embroidering colorful traditional outfits, selling tortillas, or raising poultry (chickens and turkeys). They feel confident as they begin their second loan with Kiva.
The Secretary of the group is 27-year-old Julia, who has an eighth grade education. She is married and has a 3 1/2-year-old daughter. Julia needed to open a shop to sell her delicious traditional prepared foods and snacks so that she can provide more income to cover household expenses.
She is requesting a loan to buy rice, meat and condiments in bulk plus firewood, in order to have more products for her town's fair coming soon.
Julia has been participating in monthly educational sessions that are a part of the Friendship Bridge "Microcredit Plus" program of loans, education and healthcare services. The lessons in these main topic areas: family, health, women, and business, provided by a facilitator, have helped her grow her business and empower herself.
It is thanks to Kiva investors who have extended a generous helping hand, that Julia is able to visualize a brighter future!
In this group: Marcelina Silveria, Cristina Debora, Julia Catarina, Maria, Maria, Francisca
