Chihuitan Group

Twelve years ago, Juliana opened a business for sewing traditional aprons, also known as gabachas. Currently, she works with an employee and her daughter for deliveries. Additionally, ten years ago, she started raising chickens, livestock, pigs, sheep and turkeys which she sells from her house and local market. 

Juliana lives in a rural area in the Totonicapán state/department with her husband. The couple has six children (14 -29 years old. She only has two years of education. Part of her earnings have helped to cover the household expenses and the primary and secondary education of her children. Juliana is requesting her second Kiva loan to buy a new sewing machine and feed for the animals. 

There are seven Maya K'iche' women participating in the "Microcrédito Plus" (loans, education, medical attention) program. They have formed the Friendship Bridge “Chihuitan" communal bank. The women eagerly anticipate the monthly meetings to make the loan payments and participate in educational workshops which are especially useful since there is little to no formal education. The information about effective business practices, healthy and prioritizing expenses can be applied immediately to their lives. Every two months, the women have access to basic medical services. 

The Kiva lenders, in collaboration with Friendship Bridge, are highly valued by women like Juliana. Thank you! 

In this group: Maria Eliza , Juliana Esperanza , Julia , Yolanda Alejandrina , Rafaela , Imelda Marisol, Carmelina Velecia

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerLauren Jackson. View original language description.