Adding to basket
Talented Maya artisans have been weaving intricate and colorful designs into their colorful clothing for centuries. The tradition has been handed down through the generations. Ladies like 36-year-old Flora, a single woman who lives with her parents, can become successful artisans in spite of the fact that they have no formal education.
Flora is proud to be able to help support her parents and also saves some of her income from weaving and selling colorful belts or “fajas”. She needs to restock her thread inventory and is requesting her 5th Kiva loan to buy a large quantity of high quality thread in various colors.
Flora is the President of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Cotzij Ya”. There are 7 other women in the group who share that, in spite of the coronavirus, they stand united in their goals to support each other and take steps toward a more empowered and prosperous future. Their businesses range from traditional textile workshops to animal husbandry (poultry, pigs, cattle).
The restrictions, enforced by the government, closed markets and imposed curfews. The women learned to advertise on social media. The use of technology, business management practices, and information about health, family and women are some of the topics covered in their monthly educational training. Every two months, they have access to health care services. Friendship Bridge calls the combination of loans, education and health care “Microcredit Plus”.
Thank you, Kiva investors!
In this group: Flora Antonieta, Paula Rosalina, Petrona, Maria, Concepcion , Maria Elena , Elena , Sandra Leticia
