El Xab Group

Empowering women and eliminating poverty is a primary goal for the Friendship Bridge “Microcredit Plus” program of loans, education and healthcare. Thirty-year-old Mildred, a mother of two children (nine, eleven) is married to an electrician. She studied to be a kindergarten teacher but decided to open a variety store where she sells a variety of products, including stationery supplies.

She started the business six years ago in a rented space. Two years ago, she opened a second business buying and selling colorful traditional textiles that are popular in her department of Retalhuleu. Her goals are to expand both businesses and make them more sustainable. She requests her eighth Kiva loan to buy school supplies and merchandise (plastic products, gifts, toys) for the shops. She visualizes having her own locale one day.

Mildred joined six women and formed the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “El Xab.” At their monthly meetings, they participate in an interactive educational training, designed by a Facilitator, who shares information about women, family, health and business. Recent topics have been about effective communication and wise investing practices that help them manage their businesses selling chicken meat, prepared meals, corn tortillas, as well as their variety stores, poultry farms and traditional textile businesses. They feel fortunate to access bi-monthly health care services, delivered by a traveling nurse, who offers exams, consults, and family planning.

Thank you, Kiva lenders!

In this group: Blanca Elizabeth , Mildred Magali , Ofelia , Aylin Zulema , Reyna, Geidy Marleny, Maria Josefina