Namaste Direct and Fundacion Namaste Guatemaya

Namaste Direct and Fundacion Namaste Guatemaya Namaste’s mission is to empower economically vulnerable Guatemalan women with skills and resources to Soon we intend to add mobile functionality to Prosper.

Namaste Direct/NamasteGuatemaya is an outcomes-based NGO that supports women's economic empowerment via a proven business development program that offers low interest microcredit loans (which we handle in-house and lend at 1.5% monthly interest), financial literacy education, and what we have seen to be the most impactful component, personal business advising/consultancy. We’ve learned that too of

ten international development agencies collect and manage data to support outputs instead of outcomes. The success of their clients is overshadowed by a focus on agency-centered performance metrics. In the world of microfinance, for example, loan repayment rates largely remain more important than the development of profitable and successful businesses. To address this challenge we have pioneered a new approach to sustainable development based entirely on client outcomes. We still look at metrics like re-payment rates, but we have expanded our metrics to include important success indicators like the actual increase in sales and profits from the business. Our business development program typically produces results like a 40% increase in income in just nine months amongst the low-income women we serve in Guatemala. Throughout the nine-month loan cycle of our program, each woman is assigned a local advisor and participates in group-based financial literacy training. She meets with her advisor monthly to troubleshoot her business and also to record important information throughout the process. In an effort to advance our outcomes-based work, we have developed a robust online data collection and management system called Prosper. More than just a data management and evaluation tool, Prosper was designed specifically to incorporate a client-centered methodology into development work. In our use of Prosper over the last 3 years we have realized important benefits including an ability to instantly identify, organize, and analyze critical data. The system is further enhanced by the use of QlikView, the number one ranked business intelligence gathering and display software program in the world. QlikView provides the user with the opportunity to absorb detailed data in real time in an easily digestible way through visually intuitive dashboards, charts, and graphs. Using mobile phones or tablet devices, field workers will be able to input and review Prosper data, and to collect and disperse money, in the field. We believe that our outcomes-based approach to development, supported by effective technology tools, has the potential to transform the way international development is practiced globally.

12/31/2025

Today is Namaste’s final day in operation.
As we close this chapter, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. To the thousands of women who trusted us with their dreams. To the staff, mentors, advisors, and community leaders who walked alongside them with courage and care. And to the donors, partners, and friends who believed—steadfastly—in women’s power to change their lives and communities.
Since 2008, Namaste has stood for one simple truth: when women have access to knowledge, capital, and support, they transform not only their own futures, but those of their families and communities. We have witnessed that transformation every single day.
While Namaste’s operations end today, the work does not. The women carry it forward. And our flagship Cuchubal Match program will continue through the Women’s Justice Initiative, ensuring this powerful model of savings, education, and dignity lives on.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for believing in women. Thank you for helping make this work bigger than any one organization.
With deep gratitude—always.
—The Namaste Team

——Español——

Hoy es el último día de operación de Namaste.
Al cerrar este capítulo, nuestros corazones están llenos de gratitud. A las miles de mujeres que confiaron en nosotras y en sus sueños. Al equipo, las mentoras, asesoras y líderes comunitarias que caminaron a su lado con valentía y compromiso. Y a las personas donantes, aliadas y amigas que creyeron firmemente en el poder de las mujeres para transformar sus vidas y sus comunidades.
Desde 2008, Namaste ha defendido una verdad sencilla: cuando las mujeres tienen acceso al conocimiento, al capital y al acompañamiento, transforman no solo su propio futuro, sino también el de sus familias y comunidades. Hemos sido testigos de esa transformación todos los días.
Aunque hoy concluyen las operaciones de Namaste, el trabajo continúa. Las mujeres lo llevan adelante. Y nuestro programa insignia, Cuchubal Match, seguirá vivo a través de la Women’s Justice Initiative, asegurando que este poderoso modelo de ahorro, educación y dignidad perdure.
Gracias por ser parte de este camino. Gracias por creer en las mujeres. Gracias por ayudarnos a que este trabajo sea más grande que cualquier organización.
Con profunda gratitud, siempre.
—El equipo de Namaste

We’re excited to invite you to a special webinar hosted by our partners at the Women's Justice Initiative / Iniciativa d...
12/03/2025

We’re excited to invite you to a special webinar hosted by our partners at the Women's Justice Initiative / Iniciativa de los Derechos de la Mujer! 💛
As Namaste transitions the Cuchubal Match (CM) program to WJI, we want our community to see firsthand the vision, leadership, and heart behind the team that will be carrying this work forward.
Date: December 10th
Time: 8:30am PT/ 10:30am Guatemala
💻 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uCzXB3gdRxuJ1ClTIOvGDg #/registration
During the webinar, WJI will share how they are integrating the CM into their women’s rights and economic justice programs—and what the next phase of impact will look like for women in rural Guatemala.
We’d love for you to join us and celebrate the future of this transformative program. ✨
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Español
¡Estamos muy emocionadas de invitarles a un webinar especial organizado por nuestras socias en la Iniciativa de los Derechos de la Mujer (Women's Justice Initiative – WJI)! 💛
Mientras Namaste transfiere el programa Cuchubal Match (CM) a WJI, queremos que nuestra comunidad conozca de primera mano la visión, el liderazgo y el corazón del equipo que llevará este trabajo hacia adelante.
📅 Fecha: 10 de diciembre
⏰ Hora: 8:30am PT / 10:30am Guatemala
💻 Regístrate aquí: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uCzXB3gdRxuJ1ClTIOvGDg #/registration
Durante el webinar, WJI compartirá cómo están integrando el CM en sus programas de derechos de las mujeres y justicia económica—y cómo se verá la próxima fase de impacto para las mujeres en las comunidades rurales de Guatemala.
Nos encantaría que nos acompañaras para celebrar el futuro de este programa transformador. ✨

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Introducing WJI’s New Women’s Economic Empowerment Program. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

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San Francisco, CA
94104

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