Forty-six-year-old Saturnina shares that she only attended school for one year and then could not continue because her parents died in an accident. Her grandparents raised her. She married a “microbus” driver who works in the community where they live in the department/state of Solola. Twenty-two years ago, she started her business fabricating colorful beaded bracelets. embroidering traditional blouses/”huipiles” and selling casual clothing. She sells the clothing in her own storefront and takes custom orders for the bracelets and “huipiles”. She employs six women to help her with the “huipiles” and can deliver from ten to twelve each month. Her goal is to meet increased demand successfully. She requests her first Kiva loan to buy more casual clothing in different styles and sizes.

Saturnina is President of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Las Estrellas de Chaquijya 2”. There are six other Maya Kaqchikel women in the group, and many have the same businesses as Saturnina. Others farm tomatoes and vegetables. Since they have little or no formal education, and healthcare services can be challenging to access, they benefit from a monthly educational training (health, family, women, business). Every other month, they have access to basic healthcare services. This useful combination of loans, education, and healthcare is called “Microcredit Plus”.
(This photograph has been altered to protect the borrower's privacy)
Thank you, Kiva lenders!