Mujeres De Chimenchu Group

Twenty-six-year-old Lidia shares that she only has a first-grade education. Rather than go to school, she worked with her parents in a rural area in the department/state of Totonicapan. Lidia married a bricklayer, and they have a seven-year-old son who is in kindergarten. Eight years ago, she started making clay pots and also sewing traditional blouses/”huipiles”. Her husband helps her with the businesses. Every month, she can make twelve clay pots and one “huipil”. Lidia wants to meet demand and also open a new animal husbandry business. She requests her eighth Kiva loan to buy a cow and chickens.

Lidia was elected Treasurer of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Mujeres de Chimenchu” by six women who speak Maya K’iche and Spanish. The majority of them have the same businesses as Lidia. In addition, they have little or no formal education, so the monthly educational training, part of the “Microcredit Plus” program, is essential to their success. Topics range from health, hygiene, and nutrition, to effective business management practices, women’s issues, and family matters. A Facilitator uses pictures, diagrams, role-playing, and games to share the information. Every two months, they have access to basic healthcare services, including exams, consults, and family planning.

This photo has been manipulated to protect the borrowers' privacy.

Thank you, Kiva lenders, for learning about Lidia and her friends and for funding their loans!

In this group: Paulina Micaela , Santos Manuela , Francisca Leticia, Santa Maria , Juana Isabel , Lidia Maribel , Santos Sebastiana