Adding to basket
Selma, 27, is a Maya Q'eqchí woman who speaks little English and lives in a rural area of the Quiché Department. Because of a lack of economic resources, she only has a primary school education.
During her childhood and adolescence, Selma supported her father in his agricultural business. She also worked cleaning other people's houses. In time she formed her own family, although two years ago she separated from her husband. With much drive, she raises an 8-year-old child who is in the third grade.
A year ago, she began weaving beautiful traditional blouses known as huipiles. In this small business, Selma found her economic independence. There are few women in the area who weave, so there is a lot of demand and her business is growing. Three months ago she added selling snacks to the business. She is requesting her first Kiva loan to buy threads in bulk, and ingredients to make her recipes. In future she wishes to increase her profits and start new ventures.
There are 7 Maya Q'eqchí women in Puente de Amistad communal bank Tesorito ("Little Treasure"). These women weave textiles, raise animals, and sell snacks. They eagerly await the monthly talks that form part of the Microcrédito Plus program, which combines loans, education, and medical attention. The topics are relevant to their lives and cover four areas: health, family, women, and business. Thanks to this program the women become empowered and are able to make their businesses successful.
Thank you, Kiva lenders!
In this group: Carmelina , Keyla Susana, Roberta , Aurora, Selma Johana, Silvia , Martina
Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteer Violeta. View original language description.
