Rosas De Paquixiq Group

Thirty-four-year-old Catarina recalled that she only reached the second grade because she was ashamed to be twelve years old with younger classmates who made fun of her. Instead, she was employed as a domestic worker for ten years. She married, has five children who now range in age from four to eleven, and then, five years ago, separated from her husband, who now has another family. Four years ago, she opened her traditional textile business, embroidering traditional blouses/”huipiles”. She has ten employees and can deliver five “huipiles” each week to the market in Santa Maria Chiquimula. Her goals are to have a prosperous business, save money, buy land, build a house, and educate her children. Right now, she and her children live with her parents in the department/state of Totonicapan.

Catarina was elected Treasurer of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Rosas de Paquixic” by six Maya K’iche women. They all have traditional textile businesses. They meet monthly, make loan payments, and participate in an educational training, part of the “Microcredit Plus” program of loans, education, and healthcare. The educational training, designed and taught by a Facilitator, covers topics about health, hygiene, nutrition, family matters, and women’s issues. Bi-weekly healthcare services are provided by a traveling nurse who offers exams, consults, and family planning services. These “plus” services are so important to their success.

Thank you, Kiva lenders!

In this group: Maria , Antonia , Hermelinda Margarita , Maria , Catarina , Carmelina , Evelyn Roxana