Kich Pan HanaTortilla Factory

Let me tell you the story about the ladies of Kich Pan Hana.   Last year when we visited the village of Cristo Rey we had the opportunity to meet Gayla Missett, Peace Corp Volunteer who was working with various groups in the village.  Gayla introduced us to eight ladies who had formed a corporation called Kich Pan Hana which means "Beautiful Women".  These ladies organized themselves and voted Flora Che as President of the Kich Pan Hana team.  The combined their resources and were able to get government funding to start up a Tortilla factory in the village.  For the past two years they have had a very successful and growing business.  They purchased a motorcycle to deliver tortillas around the village.  When I met Flora last year I was impressed by her passion for making the group successful.  She was proud of the fact that they had hired someone from the village to sell tortillas from the motorcycle.  She said to me..."I am creating jobs".  Its this passion that makes me want to help.  They have asked for funding to purchase a car so they can increase their deliveries and reach even further. 

 Gayla Missett, Peace Corps Volunteer, Corozal District, comments on Kich Pan Hana
“What really pulls at my heart strings is the relationship I have with the women’s group, Kich Pan Hana Tortilla Factory, in my village. It has been an amazing experience to watch this group of eight women take wings and fly. I have never seen such hard working, dedicated and enthusiastic women. Their desire to learn and improve their business and lifestyle has been nothing short of incredible. They have been tireless in their efforts and think nothing of working seven days a week.  Of course, I put a halt to that and told them that in my country that is illegal. They have been an invaluable support system. Their hard work has paid off with higher profits, better transparency, a work schedule that allows time for family and the possibility to expand the business to include a restaurant as well.”