Adding to basket
Today, talented artisans are weaving and embroidering colorful textiles, including beautiful blouses or “huipiles” and skirts called “cortes.” Irma, a 27-year-old artisan, is one of them. She is originally from the southern coast of Suchitepéquez. Irma's husband is a day laborer, and they are the parents of 2 children (8 and 9). Because she went to school for two years, she is doing everything possible to enable her children to attend primary school. Five years ago, she began using her talents to embroider different designs on “huipiles” and “cortes.” She is requesting her first Kiva loan to buy a large amount of thread and fabric. In the future, Irma envisions opening her own sales location to display a variety of clothing.
Eight women (besides Irma) who speak the Maya K’iche language make up the Puente de Amistad “Familia Progresa” communal bank. They live in a rural area of the department/state of Sololá. These women plan to use Kiva loans in their traditional clothing and pastry businesses. They generally meet monthly with a facilitator who shares relevant information around 4 themes: health, family, women, and business. It's very important to them to attend their monthly meetings, which are part of the “Microcredit Plus” program with Puente de Amistad (loans, training, health). Other topics of discussion are nutrition, hygiene, entrepreneurship, self-esteem, and leadership. They see a nurse bimonthly who provides basic health services.
Thank you!
In this group: Elena , Maria , Dominga , Norma Catarina , Maria, Irma Estela , Francisca , Santos
Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteer Laura Kanost. View original language description.
