Your overwhelming support of this project is amazing!  Thank you all for your partnership, which truly benefits women and their families living in rural poverty in Central America. These women not only launch small businesses to earn additional income for their families, but also gain an incredible amount of hope and confidence knowing that others have invested in their success. 

Thanks to generous supporters like you, a remarkable $45,933 has been contributed toward this project.  It’s a powerful number.  But even more powerful is what that that money translates into – 383 women have been able to start small businesses thanks to the funds you’ve provided!  And by partnering with these women, you've invested not only in their own capabilities, but also ensured a brighter future for their families and larger communities. 

Attached, please find the story of Maria Griselda.  Maria lives in Cajixay, in the remote western highlands of Guatemala.  This region has some of the highest poverty rates in the world, and at one point her family lost everything as a result of widespread guerrilla violence in the region. But today Maria is one of the leaders of her Community Bank, and with her loan she has been able to open a general store and participate in a pea growing contract.  

Read Maria’s story, and please share with us any feedback you might have about this update.

As always, we are so grateful for your continued support of Agros’ Economic Independence for Women in Central America project on GlobalGiving.  As the project draws to a close, we are so grateful for the hundreds of women whose lives have been changed as a result of your generosity.

Mil Gracias,

Cathy

• Economic Independence for Women Jun 11 (PDF)