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Caja Rural in Arimae

• Caja Rural or Caja refers to a community bank!
• The Caja is composed of community members from Arimae
• Arimae's Caja is composed entirely of women of a wide range of ages
• The majority of women in the Caja do not hold a full-time profession, but depend on their husbands who earn their income from working in agriculture or raising livestock.  Many women have developmed their own ventures, including being part of a group of artisans, while others have individual ventures of seling food, parumas (traditional Embera skirts), and handcrafts from their own homes, while some have their own small businesses, which have been strengthened by the creation of the Caja Rural and the financial education they are receiving.
• During the Board of Directors Microfinance Workshop in November 2014, where the board of directors from all community banks gathered in Panama City for a weeked of training, Arimae was awarded the prize for "The Caja Rural with the most number of members,'' demonstrating the large interest possessed by the women in the community for the success of this project

Board of Directors

President: Anida Bailarin

Elected as the Caja's first bank president, Anida has been incredibly dedicated to the success of the Caja.  Though often it is challenging, she has accepted the position and views it as a challenge to do something that she would never done in her life otherwise.  In her time away from the Caja, she dedicates herself to artisan craftwork and the chores of raising a family.  She is part of the women's group of artisans in the community.  She loves being organized and punctual.

Treasurer: Saura Bacorizo

Saura is one of four sisters that are members of the Caja.  In 2014, she learned how to organize and keep track of the Caja's accounting books, which she did not know how to do prior.  Despite having many commitments at home (being a single mother and having a disable child), every week she is present and participating in the Caja's meetings.   She says, "I make this effort because I help my community and my family.  I am learning things that I didn't know before, things that will stay with me for the rest of my life."

Secretary: Roseida Chirimia

This young entrepreneur holds this position with great job and devotion.  The last few months have been difficult for her, juggling the responsibilities of the Caja's Secretary along with finishing secondary school.  On December 18, 2014, with much sadness she decided to resign from her post in order to attend university in Panama City.  The Caja is currently searching for a replacement.

Last Updated: November 12, 2015 

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Global Brigades strives to implement a model of Holistic Development in communities through a system of collectively implementing health, economic, and education initiatives to strategically meet a community's development goals. Learn more about the other programs being implemented in Arimae:

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