Honduras

Eva Garcia moves with a boundless energy that defies her 74 years and inspires her six children and 19 grandchildren. She makes 500 tamales a day over a wood-fired stove just off a two-room home that she shares with her husband Jose.

Before becoming a client of Opportunity International, Eva sold only tortillas. But thanks to her loans, she has expanded her business and now sells four different kinds of tamales and other foods.

Eva is the founding member of her Trust Group, 10-30 entrepreneurs who co-guarantee each other’s loans.  She has served as the Trust Group president and as treasurer, and is now a member of her Trust Group’s board of directors.

Unlike most elderly women in poor countries, Eva does not depend on her children for her basic needs. In fact, Eva’s community depends on her. She is a respected leader, advocating for improvements in the lives of those around her. She is also a leading voice in her community – so much so that politicians seek her support. When Eva encouraged local government officials to repair her community’s pot-holed, boulder-strewn dirt road, the road was repaired.

“In 74 years, I feel excitement to work,” Eva says, “I wish I could keep living longer, so I could continue in the Trust Group. As long as God gives me life, I'm going to continue in the group, because I have a work spirit.”