Adding to basket
“Saquic” is the name that nine Maya K’iche ladies have given to their Friendship Bridge Trust Bank, which is located in the folds of the high mountains in the department (state) of El Quiche. Over half of the women raise animals like chickens, turkeys and cattle, 20% grow coffee and vegetables, and 20% embroider and weave traditional textiles. They are beginning their first loan cycle with Kiva.
Maria is a 46-year-old mother of five children, who are all over the age of 10. She was unable to attend school. However, each of her children attends school, and Maria has worked hard to make this happen. She has a small “ranchito” where she raises animals. She also works alongside her son who has a lumber shop.
She is requesting a loan to buy 15 laying hens, 20 chickens, a cow, as well as lumber for the shop. She will earmark some of her income for the educational needs of her children.
Small loans combined with educational training or “Microcredit Plus”, are so very useful in the lives of these women. At their monthly meetings after making payments on their loans, they learn about themselves (women’s health, empowerment and women’s roles), their families (nutrition and health), and their businesses (planning, budgeting and savings). They also learn about prioritizing expenses.
The success of these women would not be possible without the generosity of Kiva investors. Thank you so very much!
In this group: Sebastiana , Encarnacion , Maria , Juana , Sebastiana , Manuela , Encarnacion , Tomasa , Sebastiana
