Puente De Vida I Group

Twenty-nine-year-old Vilma is married to a farmer, and they have three children ranging in age from three to twelve. They live in a community high up in the cold mountains in the municipality of Huehuetenango. Twelve years ago, she opened her business in various communities in the area, selling watermelons by custom order. They have four employees who help them sell throughout the municipality. Vilma shares that her goals are to expand the business and increase income. She is applying for her first Kiva loan to buy more watermelons to meet demand.

Vilma is Secretary of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank, “Puente de Vida I”. There are six other women in the group who sell chickens, pigs, fertilizer and seeds. Some are like Vilma, who left school after the sixth grade. Others have no formal education. Their monthly training, part of the “Microcredit Plus” program, gives them access to education. Recent topics have been about savings and the risks of over-indebtedness. They also learn about everyday topics related to health, hygiene, nutrition and self-esteem, as well as effective business management practices. A facilitator designs the training and makes it interesting using pictures, diagrams, role-playing and games.

Kiva lenders give Vilma and her friends real hope for creating pathways into a brighter future for themselves, their children, and their community. Thank you to each of you!

In this group: Iris Marisol , Margarita , Vilma Selena , Elidia , Bertilia , Santiaga , Aura Gilmar