Shaddai Group

A loan helped a member to buy more fabric and thread.

Yolanda is a 30-year-old artisan who embroiders beautiful traditional blouses called “huipiles”. She started this business 11 years ago. Yolanda is married to a weaver who weaves traditional skirts called “cortes”. The couple has 3 children (1,3, and 4 years old). Yolanda has 11 employees and is able to deliver 8 “huipiles” every 2 weeks. She takes custom orders. With her 2nd KIVA loan, Yolanda can buy more fabric, as well as thread. She envisions expanding her business, employing more people, and increasing income.

As the president of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Shaddai”, Yolanda calls the monthly meetings to order. There are 7 other Maya K’iche women in the group who live in the department/state of Totonicapan. They all have textile businesses. Because they have little or no formal education (Yolanda attended school for 2 years), they benefit greatly from monthly educational training, part of the “Microcredit Plus” program. They learn about everyday topics like health, hygiene, nutrition, and precautions to take during the pandemic. They also appreciate learning about how to manage their businesses best as they learn about planning, budgeting, and savings. A facilitator designs the training and uses pictures, diagrams, role playing, and games to share the information.

KIVA investors, partnering with Friendship Bridge, play a vital role in the lives of Yolanda and her friends. Thank you to each of you!

In this group: Ana, Maria , Maria Victorina, Yolanda Elizabeth , Maria Olivia, Celestina, Claudia Yohana, Cristina Micaela