Las Samaritanas San Miguel Group

Irma is 38 years old, married, and a mother of 3 children (from ages 6 to 22 years old). One child is in 2nd grade, another in 7th grade, and the oldest has already completed their education. She attended school for 9 years but stopped because her father wouldn't let her continue studying since she was a girl. She never received love from her father, which led her to seek love elsewhere. She became pregnant at age 15 and her and her boyfriend had to get married. Her husband is a butcher.

Irma has been selling prepared fruit from two stands for over 22 years. She has also been selling meat with her family for 13 years from a rented space. For the past 18 months, she's been buying and selling traditional clothing and napkins which she distributes after promoting them on social media. She's requesting her first loan from Kiva to buy fruits and traditional clothing to take advantage of the end-of-year buying season. Her goal is to continue growing her business and earning more income.

Irma is president of the communal bank The Friendship Bridge “Las Samaritanas San Miguel” along with 6 other women who speak the Mayan Achi language from the department/state of Baja Verapaz. They sell fruit, meat, tortillas, and manage a convenience store and a textile weaving business. 

The program "Microcredit Plus" is important for the women as it offers them monthly training on topics related to health, business, family,  and women's issues. They also receive bimonthly visits from a nurse who offers all kinds of basic services, consults, and information. 

Thank you, Kiva lenders!

In this group: Irma Yolanda , Mayda Rebeca , Alejandra, Leydi Mayerli Aracely, Delmy Estefania, Harly Jazmin Jeenifer, Herlinda

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerLesa Sexton. View original language description.