Our savings groups help members build financial resources and access micro-loans to support small business development which will enable them to respond to the effects of a changing climate. The savings groups serve economically vulnerable families. Group meetings include training on financial literacy and business skills, and the program builds social cohesion by empowering women to talk about and respond to domestic violence. Members also learn about the formation and production of small family and community gardens that aim to address food insecurity and provide nutrition education.
Our partnership with the Episcopal Church in Guatemala supported families that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. The Church purchased, packaged and distributed food, such as beans, sugar, pasta, rice and flour, as well as cleaning supplies. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, our larger program’s work focused on supporting existing savings groups and providing financial and business management and health education virtually.
In response to Hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020, the Church, with our support, distributed food and bedding to shelters that had been set up in local churches for individuals and families who were displaced.
