Corazon De Jesus Group

Forty-seven-year-old Maria is married to a bricklayer and has four children who range in age from 12 to 22. One of her children has learning challenges and was only able to attend school through to the sixth grade. Two of them completed the seventh and ninth grades whilst Maria herself completed the ninth grade.

Seven years ago, she opened her business embroidering and sewing traditional blouses (huipiles). She also makes beautiful aprons (delantales) and sells both by custom order. Monthly, she can complete two “huipiles” and two “delantales”, depending on the amount of embroidery involved. She hopes to use her third Kiva loan to buy a large quantity of fabric and thread at the wholesale level since the holiday season is fast approaching and she wants to have plenty of inventory. Her goal is to be able to employ someone from her community.

Maria was elected President of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank "Corazon de Jesus" by seven women who sell regional foods and snacks, as well as casual clothing. Others are special event planners for weddings and quinceñeras (fifteenth birthday parties). The ladies meet monthly, make loan payments and participate in educational training (health, family, women, business), as part of the “Microcredit Plus” program. An additional component of the program is bi-monthly healthcare services that include examinations, consults, and family planning.

Thank you, Kiva lenders!

In this group: Teresa De Jesus , Matea Carmen, Surma Maritza, Maria Herlinda , Gladys Yessenia, Glendy Teresa , Alejandrina , Angelica Soledad