Twenty-three-year-old Miriam, who is married to a farmer who grows cardamom, corn and beans, has a four-year-old son who is starting kindergarten next year. She works with her husband on the farm and helps him clear the field at the end of the growing season.

The couple employs five people who help out during busy times of the year. In addition, Miriam raises chickens and pigs and sells both when they are fattened up. She will use her first Kiva loan to buy fertilizer at the wholesale level for the corn field.

Miriam has been voted Secretary of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “San Sebastian” located in the department/state of Quiche. There are seven other Maya Q’eqchi ladies in the group who are all farmers growing beans, cardamom and corn. They benefit greatly from their participation in the “Microcredit Plus” program of loans, education and health care services. Miriam is an exceptional member of the group because she has a high school diploma. Many of the ladies have little or no formal education. Their monthly training is essential for their success and they learn about an aspect of four topics (health, family, women, business). Also important are the bi-monthly health care consultations, exams and services delivered by a visiting nurse who is sensitive to their needs.

On behalf of the group, Miriam sends gratitude to Kiva investors, for their kindness in funding these much needed loans. Thank you, Kiva investors and happy new year!