Adding to basket
“Se abre paca hoy” is what the sign could say announcing that a bale of used clothing from the United States is to be opened today! This is the business of 23 year old Mariela, the mother of two children (ages 4 and 7). Mariela has a 5th grade education. She is married to a bricklayer and the couple is proud that their oldest son just finished kindergarten.
Mariela has been raising chickens and pigs for 3 years. Two years ago, she added a tamale business, as well as regional snacks that she sells as a street vendor. Now that the holidays are fast approaching, Mariela wants to add a third business of selling used clothing from the United States. This new business is what she will use her first KIVA loan for and she is very excited! Her goals are to grow all three businesses and open new ones!
Mariela is one of 7 Maya women who live in the department/state of San Marcos. They formed the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Mujeres de Savile” and Mariela was elected Secretary. All of the ladies have the same businesses as Mariela. Their monthly educational training is vital to their success and topics range from business and health to family matters and women’s issues. Recent topics were about empowerment, savings and opening new businesses. The training is part of the Friendship Bridge “Microcredit Plus” program.
Thank you, KIVA investors, for your kindness in funding these much appreciated loans!
In this group: Sara Isabel , Rogelia Antonia , Floricelda , Maria Cruz , Mariela Isabel , Ingrid Patricia , Ady Karina
