Adding to basket
Twenty-six-year-old Elsa, a high-school graduate with a nursing diploma, is married to a bricklayer. The couple has a two-year-old daughter. For four years, Elsa has been selling new clothing and cleaning products. Three years ago, she rented a space and began selling shoes. She also sells a small amount of paper goods and handicrafts. With her first Kiva loan, Elsa can buy more clothing and shoes to resell, as well as supplies for her handicrafts.
Elsa has joined six other women who live in the department/state of Quetzaltenango to participate in the Friendship Bridge Microcredit Plus program of loans, education, and health care. Five of these ladies speak Maya K’iche. They have found ways to earn income that include convenience stores, sewing workshops, animal husbandry, and clothing sales. Most have stalls or storefronts for their businesses. At the monthly meeting of their Trust Bank, called “La Joya” (or “The Jewel”), they make loan payments. Next, they participate in educational training about business, family matters, women’s issues, and health. Every other month, they have access to basic health care services that include consults, exams, and family planning. Each of these “plus” programs is highly appreciated by Elsa and her friends.
Kiva lenders fill an essential role for them in funding their much-needed and much-appreciated loans. Thank you!
In this group: Dersi Carlili, Martha Graciela, Isabela Patricia, Hilda Yaneth, Elsa Virginia Marisol , Victoria , Elvia Izabel
