Newsletter – January 2012
RWI launches Credit with Wings micro-lending program
Credit with Wings is our newest program benefiting the indigenous communities of rural Guatemala. This micro-lending program represents one more example of RWI thinking outside the box in order to bring opportunities to those who otherwise would not have them and promote the goal of sustainable development in the region.
Through this program, community members can submit an application to the Credit with Wings office for a loan of up to $200 to fund an income-generating activity. The proposal is analyzed to be sure that it is a viable business venture that addresses a need in the local economy. Once approved, a loan is offered on reasonable terms.
Basilica of Esquipulas, Chiquimula, Guatemala
Many make the pilgrimage for this important religious celebration
Nature can provide both beauty and sustainability
Hundreds of pilgrims crowd into the church to view the Christ statue on the altar
There are several innovative features that distinguish this program from traditional lending:
- The loans are given to groups of four people who each must guarantee the loans of the others in his or her group. This personal guarantee is in lieu of any other form of collateral.
- The groups must attend monthly meetings where they receive guidance and are able to share ideas and concerns about their business ventures.
- Every penny of interest is re-invested back into Roots and Wings micro-lending and education programs.
Pictured are some of the recipients of the first Credit with Wings micro-loans.
Since the program began in September, 10 people have received loans and are working hard for the success of their businesses. This is just the beginning. As Credit with Wings grows and new businesses begin to flourish, so too will a strong and sustainable local economy, from which the entire community benefits.
For more details about this program, please visit our Credit with Wings page or see this blog post.
If you’re inspired by the possibilities of micro-lending, make a donation to support the future entrepreneurs of rural Guatemala.
Don’t miss out on Lift n Glow's Matching Campaign
We’d like to remind our supporters that the $1000 matching campaign sponsored by Lift n Glow continues through the end of January. To date, $630 has been donated, so the race is on to fulfill the match. It’s not too late to double the impact of your donation!
Important religious festival celebrated throughout Guatemala in January
On January 15th, one of Guatemala's most famous religious holidays takes place: the Día de Esquipulas. National and international pilgrims make their way to the town of Esquipulas to visit the statue of the black Christ of Esquipulas.
Basilica of Esquipulas, Chiquimula, Guatemala
Many make the pilgrimage for this important religious celebration
Many pilgrims traditionally believe that the Christ had been sculpted in black to resemble the dark skin of the original inhabitants of Esquipulas. However, scientific research tells us that the statue was originally carved from a light shade of wood. After years of devotion the smoke from the candles burned and touches of pilgrims may have caused the Christ statue of Esquipulas to receive its famous black color.
Hundreds of pilgrims crowd into the church to view the Christ statue on the altar
The offerings that the pilgrims bring consist of wax sculptures that represent a mental or physical condition, shaped like a body part or an object, such as a leg or a wheelchair. For example, if you have a sore leg, you can offer a wax sculpture of a leg to the Christ and light the candle, and hope your ailment will be cured.
From the 7th of January until the 15th of January, nine days of prayers are presented in the church in Esquipulas, ending with the last prayer at 3 am to signal the start of the Día de Esquipulas. In Pasac, the village where RWI is based, over 200 people celebrate this holiday, and like the people in Esquipulas, they also participate in the nine prayers in their hometown church.
Each year about 60 to 70 people from Pasac organize to travel together in a bus all the way to Esquipulas, a journey of about 427 kilometers, which lasts for 12 hours. For the return journey, they decorate the bus with beautiful colorful ornaments bought in Esquipulas as a sign that they have undertaken the pilgrimage. Upon arrival in Pasac, they are greeted with fireworks and food to celebrate the completion of their pilgrimage.
The Día de Esquipulas is a religious one; however, it also inspires culture because it brings together many people from different races and nationalities. A beautiful moment to give more focus to our purpose of recognizing the importance of bringing culturally responsive education to our students.
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