Teresa García’s Participation in Women’s Community Banks (WCB) Cajixay, Guatemala

Teresa García at work utilizing her textile loan. An important source of income for Teresa’s family comes from her small business projects. As part of the Women’s Community Bank (WCB) in Cajixay, she joins other women in the group to take out loans together in support of their small business projects, and then create a common savings pool in order to build the seed funds for their own self-sufficient bank in the future. Teresa has access to loans for the first time in her life. These loans support her burgeoning business ventures, and ultimately the well-being of her family.

The WCB Secretary and Treasurer review their accounts. Teresa’s first loan through the Community Bank was for $70, and now after successfully repaying several loans, she has taken out her most recent loan for $175. Teresa has invested her loans in two main projects—weaving textiles and the raising and selling of pigs. Each month she makes a payment on her loan, including interest and the savings portion. After several successful loans, she has two successful businesses and $65 in savings. But what gives her the most pride, she shares, is the ability to contribute to her family’s household income. With her earnings she is buying clothes and school supplies for her three children. In addition, she recently purchased an additional pig. Teresa and her family are very pleased with the progress they are making and the money their able to save for their future!