Guatemala Microloan Project

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Weaverville, NC
Guatemala Microloan Project

We connect Presbyterian women in Western North Carolina and rural Guatemala. Our joint project seeks

Microloan Project Quick Facts

- The project began in April 2015
- Following initial training, women receive $130 loans to begin or expand businesses
- Women meet bimonthly or monthly for accountability and support
- Loans cycles last 6 months
- Women can qualify for slightly larger loans with each loan cycle
- Participants can remain in project for a total of 6 loan cycles (3 years)
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Project is administered in Guatemala by ADEHGUA, a NGO with years of experience in microloans
- There are 4 microloan groups: Coatepeque has 21 participants; Las Animas, 22; San Felipe, 8; and Santo Domingo, 15.
- Currently cycle 4 is ending and cycle 5 is beginning

09/03/2026

EXPANSION OF WORKSHOPS

Starting in July, a second monthly workshop was added for three of the groups, while in Morelia, the monthly workshop was extended from two hours to three. The workshops have a two-fold focus: Financial Education, led by Reyna, strengthens financial management skills and provides practical tools for applying best practices to family and business finances. The second workshop, led by Flor, focuses on self-care and group strengthening. The plan is to continue bi-weekly meetings and the extended monthly workshop in Morelia during the coming cycles, providing additional opportunities to strengthen the women’s skills and abilities. Follow-up sessions and time for feedback on the topics covered will also be incorporated.

08/27/2026

MORELIA
A recent activity and discussion focused on the spiritual dimension of life. The women reflected that spirituality, beyond a deep connection to one's religion, also encompasses inner life, self-connection, nature, values, life's purpose, and the search for meaning. In the previous session, Mayra had suggested awarding prizes to those who shared a Bible verse, therefore, the project presented the women with a gift as a token of appreciation for their dedication, effort, and participation. The gift consisted of four
jigsaw puzzles and a whiteboard combination. The women were encouraged to play the puzzles and spend time with their families. They were also invited to write their Bible verse on the whiteboard as a daily source of motivation.

08/20/2026

Morelia
The group participated in relaxation, breathing and stretching exercises; as well as tapping and massage on energy points. The women drew self-portraits, identifying aspects of themselves
such as thoughts, emotions and values. The four dimensions of being – spiritual, emotional, physical and mental - were explored. They discussed actions that could help nurture each such as rest, positive thinking, walking exercising, praying and giving gifts. The women decided to prioritize the spiritual dimension for the next session.

As a result of their evaluation of self and the group, the women improved their attendance and punctuality. Mayra shared corn atole with the participants during the workshop. She also suggested that for the next meeting, everyone bring a piece of fruit to share and a Bible verse. Juana attended to the children during the various workshops.

08/13/2026

Nuevo Amanecer
During the May workshop the Nuevo Amanecer group delved into emotional health through self-knowledge, emotional and body awareness and finding tools to manage emotions. The women expressed basic emotions with their bodies, and experienced bodily changes according to the emotions mentioned, and did exercises to release tension. They worked in groups of three, learning about two basic emotions, drawing a silhouette of one member and indicating the location on the drawing where the emotion was experienced, using colors and shapes to illustrate the feelings. As a group the suppression of tears or anger as a common parenting
pattern and its effects on the body. The women appreciated the topics that were addressed, as learning new things helps them personally and in their parenting.

08/06/2026

Sintana

The May workshop included games designed to strengthen communication, teamwork, problem-solving, creativity and organization. In pairs, the women chose a dimension – spiritual,
emotional, mental or physical—and explored self-care corresponding to the dimensions.

Among the self-care practices the women mentioned were: healthy eating, maintaining regular meal times, exercising, taking walks, positive thinking, breathing exercises, feeling their heartbeat and praying. Other aspects of holistic living were discussed: responsible phone use, impact of junk food on body and feelings, emotional repression as a parenting pattern. Achieving balance and well-being is interrelated.

07/30/2026

The El Progress group planned a recreational time on May 27 th at a nearby Park. The women organized to celebrate Mother’s Day since they had enjoyed the same last year and invited family members (mothers and children) to join them. Each of the women contributed to the cost of the bus fare and brought food to share; the Project covered the entrance fee, meat and some costs. The women enjoyed the trails, the natural water pools, and the group and family time. They expressed their gratitude that these kinds of activities are a reality thanks to the Project. In addition to strengthening community life, this time creates a recreational space that contributes to the mental health and well-being of the women.

07/23/2026

Microloan Staff Training on Addressing Addictions

As part of its efforts to strengthen social therapists, the organization Mujeres Mayas Kaqla began a program to address addiction in February. Reyna and Flor participated in a monthly virtual session during February and March to enhance their knowledge of this issue, which extends to different community contexts and affects individuals, families, and society in various ways.

07/16/2026

Previously Flor and Reyna each graduated from a diploma program as Community Promoters in Mental Health, Psychosocial Action, and Human Rights. They are part of a network of promoters that includes men and women from all ages and regions of Guatemala, with the aim of strengthening knowledge, sharing experiences, creating alliances, and providing a space for collective self-care. Recently they attended three sessions, two virtual and one in-person, for ongoing training.

07/09/2026

Yesica plans fun activities for the children while mothers participate in the monthly workshops, which is a big help to the mothers and their children.

07/02/2026

NUEVO AMANACER - The second session began with exercises to relax and energize the body, accompanied by conscious breathing.

In preparation for the cycle change, the group agreements were reviewed, and some changes were made to strengthen group harmony and commitment. New board members were also elected.
Reyna guided a discussion on the importance of investing resources wisely and on the risks of mismanaging money.

Address

Heather Hudson, PW Treasurer, 4 Northvalley Drive
Weaverville, NC
28787

Website

https://www.guatemalamicroloanproject.org/

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