María is a very active 49-year-old member of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Mujeres Chimaltecas”. She is the married mother of four children who range in age from 16-27. All of them have a secondary or university level education. Although Maria only has a sixth grade education, she understands how to manage the financial part of her business from her monthly educational training that is part of the “Microcredit Plus” program of loans, education, and healthcare services.

Maria makes delicious food and tortillas that she sells in the market of Chimaltenango. With the goal of having plenty of ingredients available, Maria is requesting a Kiva loan to buy an industrial stove, firewood, and corn to be more efficient in preparing food.

There are seven Maya Kaqchikel ladies in the Trust Bank who have confidence and motivation to achieve their goals. They sell wood, tortillas, and prepared foods. This is their fourth Kiva loan. Their monthly trainings have helped them immensely because they have learned about health, nutrition, hygiene, and self-esteem. Maria shares, “I am putting into practice what I have learned during our monthly meetings, especially about how important it is to take care of my health and about making natural plant based medicines. We are so lucky to have so many benefits from the “Microcredit Plus” program that is helping so many of us.”

Thank you, Kiva investors, for your kindness and generosity in funding these much appreciated loans!

For thousands of indigenous Maya women who mostly live in rural areas in Guatemala, life is filled with limited opportunities, obstacles, discrimination and injustices. For the 7 women in the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Mujeres Chimaltecas”, there is hope, funding & education. Living less than 1 hour from Guatemala City, these ladies have various commercial ventures (clothing, fruit, vegetables, prepared food sales). They have an average age of 41 & are beginning their 3rd loan cycle with KIVA. The ladies meet monthly to make payments on their loans and to participate in educational sessions, part of the “Microcredit Plus” program (loans + education). Everyday topics, including basic business skills, nutrition, family planning and self esteem are covered.

Bertha, a 53 year old married mother of 3 (9,18,22), works tirelessly at her textile businesses to move the family ahead. Two of her children have finished high school. Bertha sells clothing and is also a seamstress. She is requesting a loan to buy fabric as well as clothing to resell.

The success of the “Microcredit Plus” program, and the women served, would not be possible without the support of generous KIVA investors. With your help, the tide is being turned on generational poverty in Guatemala. Bertha and her friends have a real chance for a better future! Thank you, KIVA investors!

Chimaltenango is where 10 women have formed the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Mujeres Chimaltecas” who are beginning their very first loan cycle with Kiva! The ladies sell clothing, vegetables (potatoes) and firewood. They share common goals of increasing income, educating their children, empowering themselves and eliminating poverty in their lives.

Bertha is a member of the group who is married with three children between the ages of 8 and 21. She sells women’s clothing and is requesting a loan to buy, at the wholesale level, the latest designs and styles of blouses. She wants to see her income stream grow and envisions her children graduating from the university.

Bertha went to school through the ninth grade and understands the value of a good education. She is sending her own children to school. To empower herself, she participates in monthly educational trainings given by a facilitator from Friendship Bridge about many useful subjects including budgeting, savings, nutrition, hygiene and health. The facilitator uses pictures, diagrams, role playing and games to share the information.

All the women in the Trust Bank are already taking real steps toward a more prosperous future. Kiva lenders are greatly valued and appreciated. Thank you!

“Buena Vista” is a small community just outside of the Department of Chimaltenango. Seven enthusiastic women, who are good friends and neighbors, are members of the Trust bank called “Mujeres Chimaltecas’.

The President of the Trust Bank is 44-year-old Maria Josefina. She is married with four children. Her husband works in construction. The couple is really pleased that they have been able to send their children to school. Two of their children have completed high school while the other two are in 5th and 9th grade. They have high hopes for each of them.

For many years, Maria Josefina worked as a street vendor selling food. A few years ago, she took a real step up when she contacted the manager of a nearby clothing store in hopes that she could sell her food there. Now, Maria Josefina is thrilled to have 100 regular customers who she serves daily meals to from Monday through Friday. She rises early to prepare for each day’s meals. Her hard work has paid off and she can count on a fixed monthly income. Her ultimate goal is to be self-sustaining and not in need of a loan.

Maria Josefina, as well as the other women in her Trust Bank, appreciates the financial support that generous people from other countries give them. In addition, they are happy with the informative trainings that Friendship Bridge provides on relevant topics like budgeting, business management, customer service, women’s health, self-esteem and children’s rights. The combination of a loan and education enables these women to move forward, creating a better life for themselves, their families and their communities.