Friendship Bridge’s Microcredit Plus Program addresses the lack of credit and education services to impoverished women living in the western highlands, lowlands and peri-urban regions of Guatemala. These areas are predominantly indigenous and are characterized by extreme poverty and high levels of illiteracy.  Nearly half of all adults here can neither read nor write, and illiteracy is even higher among women, as girls traditionally leave school early to spend more time on housework and daily chores.

Once a month, loan groups gather at meetings to make payments on their loans. The local staff uses this opportunity to engage the women in educational discussions designed to provide information on topics such as business development, money management, and health.

In 2008, our education staff worked diligently to create a curriculum that works for literate and pre-literate clients. Our new curriculum, which takes the form of vibrant Rotafolios, or flip charts, is highly participatory and utilizes brilliant illustrations to deliver messages that resonate with the women. We continue to build upon the work set into motion in 2008. In March of 2009, the clients began the newly developed My Health unit. This unit, with 8 lessons, will take them through the end of 2009. In 2010, clients will begin the My Money unit and begin Self-Esteem. 2011 will round out the full curriculum with My Business. This new curriculum will help us to ensure a consistent, quality education experience for all Friendship Bridge clients.

We are currently seeking funding for Rotafolio development and production. If you would like to help fund this initiative and learn more about Rotafolio, contact us or simply designate your donation to Rotafolios.