Las Rosas Santiago Group

Juana, 47, is married to a good man who sells fruit in Guatemala City. At the age of 21, she was able to complete her education up to the sixth-grade level through a government-sponsored literacy program. Juana is the proud mother of two children (ages 18 and 22), who are currently pursuing their secondary education while simultaneously working in their father's business.

For 23 years, Juana has been embroidering beautiful traditional blouses; three years ago, she also opened a second business selling traditional clothing and caps. She is a very busy woman who, from Monday through Saturday, sells delicious snacks at a rented stall she shares with her sister. Juana’s goal is to build up her own capital so that she will not need to rely on future loans, and to ensure her business continues to thrive. With her first Kiva loan, Juana will be able to invest in her business by purchasing a refrigerator and fabrics to continue her embroidery work.

Juana serves as the president of the Friendship Bridge "Las Rosas Santiago" Community Bank in the department of Sololá. The group consists of six other Tz'utujil Maya women whose businesses range from traditional embroidery to selling snacks. These women benefit from monthly educational training sessions, which are a key component of the "Microcredit Plus" lending and health program. Recent training topics have focused on the prudent use of loans and the dangers of over-indebtedness.

Thank you to the Kiva lenders for your generosity in funding these loans!

In this group: Juana , Rosario , Magdalena , Rosario , Luisa , Antonia, Andrea Johana

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