José Antonio Díaz is a warm and thoughtful man with a thriving hammock-making business. In April 2007, Global Partnerships PartnerTrip travelers had an opportunity to meet José and his family and tour his hammock factory.

A client of AMC, a microfinance institution serving the rural communities of El Salvador, José took out his first loan six years ago. Since then, he has been through several loan cycles and currently has a personal loan for $800. He has used his loans to build a facility where he, his wife and his oldest daughter (pictured above) can weave five hammocks simultaneously. With the increase in production, José has increased his profits, allowing him to provide his family with a better quality of life. Of all his accomplishments, José is most proud that he has earned enough to pay the tuition for his youngest three children to attend the local elementary school.