Family situation: Husband and two sons, ages 10 and 15

Location: San Martín, El Salvador (about a 30-minute-drive from San Salvador)

Work: Storeowner and homemaker and mother of two

Microfinance organization: Apoyo Intergral

Growth of her businesss: Etbel began her convenience store as a single small table in front of her home about 15 years ago. That growth got a significant boost three years ago when she began receiving microloans from Apoyo Integral, starting with a loan of $300. She's on her third loan, for $600.

How microcredit has helped her: Etbel invests much of the profits from her business in her children. Although Etbel's husband, a teacher, makes a decent living, his salary is not enough to pay for health insurance for their 10- and 15-year-old sons. Etbel's earnings cover the costs of her sons' medical insurance and their regular wellness visits. She's also used her income to buy a computer and games for her sons, which keeps them busy and safe at home, and has enrolled them in after-school vocational classes.

Key quote: "My children are my savings. They are my investment."