When Shyam K. Iyer first began SKI Charities three years ago, there was no question that microfinance would be the best method for him to execute his vision. Though the effectiveness of the approach has been speculated, Shyam stands by microfinance as a powerful way to provide people with a sense of autonomy, responsibility and self-initiative.
Listen in to hear Shyam’s take on why microfinance has been an ideal choice for SKI Charities.
Shyam returned from his most recent trip to Lebu, Chile inspired by the crafts, textiles, and food being created by SKImfi microfinance beneficiaries of indigenous Mapuche heritage. SKI Charities aims to give women a path to start and grow sustainable businesses that encourage them to utilize their culturally-embedded skillset.
Listen in to hear more about the progress we are making in Lebu to preserve the traditional Mapuche culture.
For our fourth SKI Charities podcast, founder Shyam K. Iyer sits down to discuss why he chose to begin the charity in Mutare, Zimbabwe. He goes on to talk about how he chose the second charity site (Lebu, Chile) and what the similarities are between the two.
Listen in on the discussion, and hear Shyam’s thoughts on potential future locations for SKIC!
In the latest “Conversation with Shyam,” we sat down with the SKI Charities founder to talk about the presidential elections that were recently held in Zimbabwe. Candidates Robert Mugabe (Prime Minister from 1980-87 and President from 1987-Present) and Morgan Tsvangirai (Prime Minister from 2009-Present) currently share power in Zimbabwe’s presidential republic. The election for presidency resulted in another win for Mugabe.
Ultimately, Zimbabwean politics and government play a big role in the lives of individuals, but Shyam contends that the power is in the hands of the people. That is why SKI Charities began – to give people at the ground level the capacity to feel strong and independent (through their education and entrepreneurship) regardless of who is governing the country.
No matter the election’s outcome, SKI Charities strives to make women feel self-sufficient through their developing businesses. “Historically, these women have felt dependent on their husbands or their fathers, and by extrapolation, their government” Shyam notes. “At SKImfi, by being entrepreneurs, they are creating their own wealth, they don’t need to go to the government for handouts.”
Listen in for Shyam’s take on the current election, and how SKI beneficiaries continue to gain capital and influence in their communities.
SKIC micro-finance beneficiaries in Zimbabwe
After his most recent trip to Zimbabwe, SKI Charities founder Shyam was nothing short of inspired. Here, he recounts the stories of SKImfi participants who have invigorated their communities not just with new businesses but with hope. The spillover effect is definitely at play here, with just one woman inspiring everyone from her family, to her peers, to strangers. Click the link above to listen as Shyam talks about the highlights of his trip!
Listen in on our first audio discussion with SKI Charities founder, Shyam, as he talks about his most recent trip to Lebu, Chile where he had the opportunity to connect with local Mapuches artists. Be sure to check out our next “Conversation with Shyam” when he returns from Zimbabwe!
Handmade in Lebu!
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