Mujeres Valientes Group

Separation from their parents can completely change the lives of children, affecting their education and stability. Tereza lived through this in her childhood. When her family was divided, she had to leave school in her fourth year of primary school. This experience made an impact on her, but it also motivated her to build a different future for her five children, who today have a full education, except for the youngest who is still in eighth grade.

At 42 years old, Tereza has more than 10 years of experience making a living selling new casual clothing and kitchen utensils out of her own shop where she works with the help of one of her children. She also raises chickens, which she sells from her house. With her third Kiva loan, Tereza wishes to buy more kitchen utensils, casual clothing, and bedding in order to better stock her shop. Her goal is to continue growing and offering more variety to her customers. 

Eight women including Tereza have come together to participate in the Friendship Bridge "Microcredito Plus" program, which includes loans, monthly educational meetings, an basic bimonthly health services. Their communal bank is called "Mujeres Valientes" ["Brave Women"] and they live in a rural area in the department and state of Quetzaltenango. They learn about effective business management practices that are essential for the success of their businesses raising domestic animals, selling casual clothing and kitchen utensils, selling gifts for all occasions, and selling footwear. 

Thank you, Kiva lenders!

In this group: Fabiana , Eudelia Zandalia , Roxana Oselia , Tereza Sandra , Gladys Teresa , Heidy Virginia, Rufina Leonza , Maria Gomez

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