Las Orquideas Sacatepequez Group

In the months of November to April, the population must be covered to endure temperatures up to 0° C in the Guatemalan territory. For this reason, many merchants are selling warm clothes this season.

Paula, the secretary of the Community Bank of Friendship Bridge "Las Orquideas Sacatepequez" located in the department/state of Chimaltenango, is dedicated to this business. She is 53 years old and is the mother of six children over 15 years old who have completed high school. Paula's husband makes a variety of clothes such as sweatshirts and pants. She is selling clothes in the street. The income is quite useful for the education of her youngest child. Paula is requesting her second Kiva loan to buy children's clothes and cotton bedspreads.

Eight women who make up this communal bank sell clothes and upholster furniture. They learn to manage their businesses effectively through the monthly educational trainings, which are part of the "Microcredit Plus" program (loans, education, health-care services). Women learn to plan and budget. They also learn to care for their families, learn about nutrition, hygiene and health. They also empower themselves when they learn about their rights and self-esteem.

It would be impossible for them to enter a bank to obtain a loan. Kiva lenders, play an important role in financing these loans. Thank you!