Las Girasoles Del Jabali Group

From her kitchen, 45-year-old Elvia prepares not only meals but also opportunities for her family. She is partnered with a day laborer and has six children ranging in age from 16 to 29. Two of them are currently in the 8th and 9th grades; among the older children, some completed the 7th or 8th grade, while two finished the 9th grade. Only one holds a high school diploma in Science and Letters, though he is not currently working in his field. Three of her children are already married, and Elvia is a grandmother to five children. She completed her schooling up to the 7th grade but left her studies to start her family.

For the past seven years, she has dedicated herself to preparing and selling lunches on a made-to-order basis, with the support of her daughter-in-law and her daughter. Additionally, twice a week she performs domestic work in other people's homes, and for the last five years, she has also sold firewood from her home. Elvia is requesting her first Kiva loan to purchase firewood, ingredients, and kitchen utensils such as pots and pans. Her goal is to acquire her own commercial space, which would allow her to grow her business and increase her income.

There are seven Spanish-speaking women in the Friendship Bridge Community Bank group "Las Girasoles Del Jabali," who reside in the department of Escuintla. They manage various small businesses, including raising free-range chickens, running a convenience store, and selling shaved ice treats, regional cuisine, and light snacks. The Microcredit Plus program is vital to them, as it provides monthly training sessions where they learn about topics related to health, business, family, and women's issues.

Elvia extends her gratitude to the Kiva lenders.

In this group: Elvia Elizabeth , Ruth Imelda , Maria Magdalena , Albertina , Agustina , Sonia Maribel , Julia Del Carmen

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerCindy Kendall. View original language description.