Artisans

Magdalena lives in the mayan language Kakchiquel-speaking town of Santa Catarina Palopó, a quaint and picturesque place on the shores of the magnificent Lake Atitlán in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. She has lived there all of her life. Her childhood was very difficult, as her parents could not afford to take care of her. Until she was 13 years old, Magdalena lived with her grandmother, who held the old-fashioned belief that girls did not need to go to school. Instead of attending school, Magdalena learned to weave on a backstrap loom. By age eight, she was a talented weaver! Then, when she was 13 years old, she moved to her parents’ home. Her parents were of the same belief that that did not need an education; thus, Magdalena learned to farm.

59-year-old Jacinta lives in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. She joined Friendship Bridge in 2009 and currently has participated in 18 loan cycles. Through her experience with the organization and, specifically, with Handmade by Friendship Bridge (since 2015), Jacinta has become an empowered woman and an even more successful artisan. Jacinta's first loan was Q2,000 (approximately $259), and thanks to her dedication, perseverance, and discipline; her loan size has increased to an eviqualent of about $970 in 2021.