Vicenta’s Pulperia

One of the Asambleas that I have visited most often is in a barrio (neighbourhood) outside of La Ceiba, and is held on a patio in front of a pulperia (small shop) of the Asamblea’s Jefa. I really enjoy this Asamblea – the women are all very friendly and open, and the air is usually full of their laughter. Several weeks ago I spoke with the Jefa (President) and owner of the pulperia, Vicenta.

Throughout the Asamblea meeting, she stands behind the counter of her pulpería (small store that sells necessities), smiling and laughing with the rest of the women in the group that sit out front. As the Jefa of this Asamblea, Vicenta facilitates the meeting, guiding her compañeras through attendance, reporting, updates, and the educational charla. Vicenta is quick to laugh loudly, and beams her smile at the group throughout the meeting.

The Adelante meeting is held on the colourful front porch of Vicenta’s pulperia; there are large paintings of teddy bears on the walls, and the window to her shop is painted bright green and yellow. From her shop window in front of her house, Vicenta sells granos basicos - basic grains, such as rice, sugar, and beans - as well as soup stock, some spices, cookies and other supplies, to the local neighbourhood and her friends.

At 58 years old, Vicenta has three grown children: two sons and a daughter. Her daughter, the eldest, is 34 years old and has a three year old daughter of her own. She supports her mother in her business, and has helped her get a savings card at the bank. Vicenta now lives with her 14 year old grandson, who is a student, her husband, and her mother.

Vicenta has had five loans with Adelante, including one individual loan. Prior to her first loan four years ago, Vicenta worked as a domestic worker, hired by people to work in their homes. Over the years, she has used her loans to build and support her pulperia; she invested her most recent individual loan of 15,000 Lempiras (784 US$) into her shop, expanding her inventory and growing her business. With the income from her business, Maria has been able to make some improvements on her house, which can be seen through the back doorway of her pulperia. She points out the additions she has made to her kitchen, adding new shelves and counters.

As the Jefa (Chief) of her Asamblea, Vicenta’s responsibilities include visiting the other Adelante clients to see how they are doing in their businesses, and making sure everything is up-to-date in their Asamblea’s loans. Vicenta also facilitates the meetings, and helps ensure that all the group’s paperwork is complete.

What Vicenta has enjoyed the most about her participation with Fundación Adelante is the educational charlas (talks) they have at each Asamblea meeting. Vicenta says these charlas are very useful, which they can put into practice both in and out of the house, and share with their neighbours.

As the meeting closes and the women prepare to leave, Vicenta grins widely at everyone, and laughs easily at the stories and experiences the women share with each other. Vicenta’s bright smile and colourful pulperia add warmth and friendship to this Adelante Asamblea.