Las Mariitas Group

In many communities, the hardworking hands of women like María are those who keep culinary traditions and the desire to succeed alive. María is fifty-seven years old, married and a mother to four children (from 27 to 40 years-old). The three youngest ones have completed a full education and the eldest finished sixth grade in primary school. They are all married, and María enjoys her nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She did not have the chance to study as she was orphaned at the age of five and was raised by an aunt. Her husband emigrated to the United States ten years ago in search of a better future for their family. 

For more than thirty-five years María has managed her own establishment where she sells tamales, slush ice drinks and stuffed chiles. She also makes artisanal hot chocolate to order. Her four daughters help her in making and selling her food. She is requesting her fourth Kiva loan to buy firewood and ingredients, such as a cacao, needed to carry on with her recipes. Her goal is to strengthen her business and increase her earnings.

María is part of the communal bank Las Mariitas at Friendship Bridge, made up of seven other women who speak Spanish and Maya-K'iche', from the department of Suchitepéquez. Their businesses include pig husbandry and the sale of kitchen utensils, snacks and food. These women truly appreciate their monthly training which covers 4 essential themes: health, family, women and business. They tend to share what they have learned with family and friends.

Thank you, Kiva lenders!

In this group: Florinda, Maria Rosa , Silvia Paulina , Marta Alicia , Glendy Esther , Karen Paola , Elsa Isabel , Maria Elena

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerMonika Maria Pawlak. View original language description.