San Pedranas Group

Life has presented Monica with many obstacles since she was very young, but she decided that these challenges would not define her future.  Now she is 39 years old, with a partner and 3 children from the age of 14 to 23.  Although Monica has only a 1st grade education, due to a learning disability, she has worked tirelessly to get ahead with her family.  Two of her children are continuing in school, in the 8th and 9th grade, while the oldest finished their education in the 9th grade.  

For 9 years, Monica has been earning income from her house by selling firewood, raising chickens, and preparing chocofrutas [chocolate covered fruit] to sell.  She relies on the support of her husband, who is a government employee.  

Monica wants to start a new business, so she is requesting her 4th loan from Kiva to buy a slushy machine and supplies that she needs to make shaved ice desserts, including flavorings, sugar, and cups.  With this investment, she will be able to sell a product that is in high demand, attract more customers, and increase her daily earnings.

The seven women who form the Friendship Bridge communal bank "San Pedranas” are all from the department and state of Suchitepéquez.  They are benefiting from the monthly training sessions in the "Micredito Plus" program that offers loans, education, and basic health services.  They also learn how to save, and how to avoid overindebtedness and participating in cosigned loans.  This helps these women to manage their businesses selling: traditional food, snacks, jewelry, and casual clothing.

The women like Monica are grateful to the Kiva lenders!

In this group: Marta Alicia , Monica Del Carmen , Marta Alicia , Ruth Soledad , Elizabeth , Maria De Los Angeles , Romelia

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerLisa Grobar. View original language description.