Nueva Santa Catarina Group

Clara, age 47, is married and the mother of three children, ages 6 to 22 years. Two of them are in primary and secondary school, and the eldest is a teacher, although she is not working after her marriage.  Clara also is the grandmother of a little boy. She has a complete education as an expert accountant, and did that work for eight years, but she decided to work full time in her businesses.  For 15 years, Clara has embroidered "huipiles" [traditional blouses]. She employs three women and delivers approximately three pieces per month. Also, for seven years, she has run a small restaurant where she sells regional and fast food.  Two years ago, she add the sale of tortillas.  All these businesses function in a shop of her own, and according to demand, she employs up to three people.

Clara requests her second Kiva loan to buy traditional garments, corn, and other basic supplies, in order to keep her businesses stable and sustainable.  

Clara was elected president of Friendship Bridge's communal bank “Nueva Santa Catarina”. It includes six other women who live in the department / state of  Sololá, and speak the Maya K’iche’ language. They all work, selling traditional clothing and raising domestic animals. They participate in training on financial management and prevention of over-indebtedness as part of the “Microcrédito Plus” program of Friendship Bridge.

Thank you, Kiva lenders. 

In this group: Antonia Xocol, Manuela , Clara Manuela , Manuela , Maria Carlota , Manuela Rosa , Jessica Maria Johana

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerJoann S. View original language description.