Santo Tomas Group

Tomasa, a 42-year-old single woman who lives with her parents and four siblings, has an eighth-grade education. Twenty-five years ago, she opened her business, making and selling regional appetizers from a stand in the local market and on the street. Tomasa works selling them every morning and every late afternoon. She lives in a community in the department/state of Quiche. She wants to formalize the business and open up a shop. Tomasa requests her fourth Kiva loan to buy big pots, plates, glasses, corn, and firewood.

Seven Maya K’iche women elected Tomasa to be President of their Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Santo Tomas”. They sell tortillas, traditional clothing, and raise domestic livestock and poultry. The ladies are pleased and benefit greatly from monthly educational training, part of the “Microcredit Plus” program of loans, education, and healthcare.

Recent topics for the training have been about wise investment practices and the use of social media in promoting their businesses. Other topics are about women’s issues, family matters, health, hygiene, nutrition, and prioritizing expenses. Every other month, they have access to basic healthcare services, including exams, consults, and family planning. These “plus” services are essential to their success!

Thank you, Kiva lenders, for lending a helping hand to Tomasa and her friends!

In this group: Juana , Yoselin Rafaela , Maria Magdalena , Tomasa , Tomasa Angelina , Aura Patricia , Juana , Sebastiana