Adding to basket
It is common in communities in the Western Highlands of Guatemala to convert a room in their homes into a store. This is what twenty-eight-year-old Berly did one year ago. She sells casual clothing, cosmetics, and occasionally makes delicious regional appetizers in the department/state of San Marcos. Her income, combined with that of her husband, a security agent, supports their two children, aged seven months to four years. Her goal is to relocate her business from her home to its own dedicated space. She requests her second Kiva loan to buy more casual clothing in different sizes and styles.
Six women elected Berly to be President of their Friendship Bridge Trust Bank, “Luchadoras de Cabanas”. As several of them had little or no formal education (Berly attended school for only six years and then married), they benefit from monthly educational training. Topics range from health, hygiene, nutrition, and prioritizing expenses to business management. A recent topic informed them about waste disposal, the importance of correctly sorting waste, and avoiding single-use disposable items. This training is designed by a Facilitator who uses pictures, diagrams, role-playing, and games to share the information. It is part of the “Microcredit Plus” program.
Berly and her friends invest their loans into their businesses selling tamales, dairy products, cosmetics, firewood, and lumber. They appreciate the kindness of Kiva investors. Thank you to each of you!
In this group: Elida Edna , Berly Violeta , Blanca Esmeralda , Lucia , Angelica Candelaria , Limna Elizabeth , Nilda Roxana
