Thursday, November 19, 2009
Day Four of my amazing journey in Guatemala. I landed on Sunday night and have been in awe since. From the humble but delicious food, to the sweeping landscapes, to the warm and welcoming people.
Namaste-Direct is a micro-financing institution providing business education and advice to rural women in Guatemala. Less than 30% of the women can read or write and the typical woman has little if any education. It's no wonder the difference Namaste-Direct is making a huge difference in these women's lives by giving them money to start their own businesses.
Last night we kicked of the third annual 'Conferencia de 100 Mujeres Empresa'. Almost 100 women attended. They are from all over the country. They are proud and they are beautiful. Today and tomorrow the women are taking classes on technology (learning what internet is and how powerful it can be), how to immunize and care for animals like chickens and cows, how to network with other women in business, and a special class for the business advisors who provide personal mentorship for the client, complete a monthly cash flow of the businesses, and provide on-call support for the clients.
Namaste was started five years ago by Bob Graham in San Francisco, CA and has been running strong ever since. Kristin Houk, one of my dear friends, is leading this incredible non-profit organization with the help of her team in Guatemala. So far over 4000 women have received a loan and education through Namaste direct.
I have toured Antigua and all its wonders, I have toured a coffee finca that provides school and work for 60 families and the beans for your starbuck's coffee, I have eaten the best tamales in the world, and I have taken a boat across a volcano to Panajachel. But the most amazing experience I have had is with the women of Guatemala. They work day in and out with babies on their backs to sustain their families with so little, yet they have the most giving hearts and are happy and proud of their culture, their land, their life.
Stay tuned for some photos...
Thank you Namaste for giving me this gift, this experience to make a difference in these women's lives.
www.namaste-direct.org
Emilia D'Anzica
