“The Las Ameritas Village Bank has twelve members and is beginning its second loan cycle. During the group’s first cycle, members were given training and educational sessions, which they are now putting into practice in their daily lives. The group members are involved in a variety of different businesses; they sell condiments, accessories, bread, dry goods, sweets, clothing and fruit, and also prepare natural juices. Some sell from home or in local markets, while others sell in the street or make home deliveries. The group members are requesting different loan amounts, like 300, 600 or 1,050 soles. The group as a whole is requesting a total of 8,400 soles. The loans will be used to buy cookies, caramels, hot peppers, cumin, bananas, papayas, bread, t-shirts and pants. Group members dream of improving and expanding their businesses, of owning their own homes or their own stores, and that their children will graduate will professional degrees.”

For more information: http://kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=82322