Estrellas De Alotenango Group

Maria is 50 years old and a member of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Estrellas de Alotenango,” who shares a common history with many Guatemalan women. Because her parents were poor, she only reached the 4th grade and stayed at home to help with household duties. She married early and had 7 children who now range in age from 12-35. She separated from her husband 6 years ago, but because of her tremendous determination and hard work, she was able to cover basic necessities for her younger children. She also was able to send her children to primary and secondary schools. Maria sells firewood and has a baking business taking custom orders for pies and cakes. She opened this 2nd business thanks to an advanced training offered by Friendship Bridge! Maria is requesting her 2nd Kiva loan to buy firewood at the wholesale level.

Maria and the other 7 ladies in the group live in the department/state of Sacatepequez. One of the topics of their monthly educational sessions is about effective business practices, which helps them with their tortilla shops, traditional textiles, baking, sewing, and firewood businesses. Other topics include health, nutrition, hygiene, and the use of medicinal plants. Maria shares, “I often share information from these sessions with my family.” This effective combination of loans, education, health care, and other “Plus” services like Maria’s new baking business are part of the “Microcredit Plus” program of Friendship Bridge.

Thank you, Kiva investors!