Las Rosas De Chicalan Group

Twenty-six-year-old Maria is a single woman who lives with her parents and seven siblings in a rural area in the Department/State of Totonicapan. She was only able to attend school for four years. Two years ago, she opened her store selling notebooks, books, and school supplies in a rented space. One year ago, she added a business embroidering traditional blouses, or ”huipiles.” She has four employees who can help support their own families. 

Maria’s goal is to expand her businesses. She is requesting her first Kiva loan by way of this group to buy more books, notebooks, and school supplies to sell.

Maria joined six Maya K’iche women who live in her rural area of the Department/State of Totonicapán and formed the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Las Rosas de Chicalan.” The majority of them embroider huipiles. 

These borrowers are pleased to be able to participate in the Microcredit Plus program of loans, monthly educational training, and bi-monthly healthcare services. Recent topics for the training have been about hygiene, women’s health measures, and the dangers of loaning one’s name to another person’s business. Other topics are about nutrition, self-esteem, and business management practices. The healthcare services are delivered by a traveling nurse who speaks their language and offers exams, consults, and family planning.

Thank you, Kiva lenders, for helping these women help themselves and build better lives!

In this group: Carmen Magdalena , Herlinda , Maria , Maria Estela , Catarina, Catarina , Maria Del Carmen