About Us
SKI Charities is unique in its emphasis on building local groups of female entrepreneurs and scholars to unlock their communities’ potential and foster a more hopeful tomorrow. SKI Charities acts on the premise that talent should be given every opportunity to blossom, no matter where on earth. Much potential remains dormant in the developing world, particularly among women and young girls.
We believe that microfinance, the practice of supporting low-income entrepreneurs who are typically unable to participate in the formal banking sector, can create a powerful impact. SKI Charities provides capital to female entrepreneurs through our microfinance institute, SKIMFI. In parallel, affording educational resources to young girls can have a far reach in expanding the potential of a community and a nation. Our SKIPGO initiative grants scholarships to highly motivated girls who show early promise. And for many artists in these same locations, SKILLS provides commissions so that they may express their culture through creative works.
We conceptualize our efforts as a “hand up rather than a hand out.” We lend individuals a helping hand, empowering them to renew and rebuild their communities. It is essential to focus on providing the tools and skills that allow them to pick themselves up and keep themselves there. We prioritize sustainability and believe in supporting projects that will positively influence local economic development and inclusion.
Empowering our beneficiaries is the key to our global efforts and by working together to reach our aims we will create a better future. International development benefits us all by promoting a more stable and enriched world. This development begins by encouraging local entrepreneurs and educating children, together providing the foundation for future development. SKI Charities lifts individuals across the globe by bringing them the means to achieve their life goals.
Our History
SKI Charities commenced operations in October 2010, with the goal of providing economic support to empower females in remote areas with little access to growth opportunities. The mission of SKI Charities is close to our founder’s philosophy; the women of his family overcame the strict cultural norms of their country, working their way through an education and to successful careers. He was inspired by their strength, spirit and endurance, giving him the motivation to encourage females in developing countries to reach for the same level of achievement and independence. His vision and commitment is the driving force behind SKI Charities. His understanding of the world economy and international background have given him a unique insight into the potential of developing markets.
The initiative was born to leverage the powerful ripple effect that local economic growth can have. With this in mind, long-term programs were created and talented locals were employed to oversee the projects on the ground. SKI Charities began in Mutare, Zimbabwe due to the compelling intersection of need and potential in that region. Since then SKI Charities has become an international network of people and programs dedicated to empower the excluded through economic support and encouragement.
State of the Foundation (2013)
State of the Foundation (2014)
State of the Foundation (2015)
Quarterly Updates
Our Process
Before engaging in a specific area, we make certain that we have access to a robust network for sourcing and vetting prospective beneficiaries. Through town halls, referrals, and interviews, we are able to involve the most appropriate candidates in our program.
SKI Charities relies on the support from those who share our mission. The organization uses these contributions to drive projects across the world, in the most isolated locations. For SKI Charities it is essential for the continued progress of our mission to maintain a high standard of oversight and due diligence.
Our Governance
Our Team
Our associates are all members of the community in which we operate, complementing our aim to be an organization with strong roots in the local area. Beyond our staff we are strengthened immeasurably by businesspeople, officials, and other compassionate citizens who believe in our mandate.
Anita
Anita
Project Manager, SKIMFI — Lebu, Chile
Anita was born and raised in Lebu. Having spent her whole life in the small town, she has strong ties to the community and a deep understanding of the population’s needs. She is driven to help improve the lives of others and has previously worked with local charitable organizations. Anita’s due diligent and personable disposition moves the work on the ground and guides it to success.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
Project Manager, SKIPGO — Mutare, Zimbabwe
Elizabeth, a Mutare local, is deeply committed to female welfare and empowerment. She connects easily with people and is business savvy, which contributes daily to SKIPGO’s progress. Her wide range of professional experiences, such as working in local banks and enterprises, helps her understand the goals and needs of the parents she collaborates with and the girls she works to develop.
Victoria
Victoria
Microfinance and Data Associate — Mutare, Zimbabwe
Victoria sees firsthand how women are empowered by our microloan program as she issues loans to beneficiaries, assess beneficiaries’ projects, conducts trainings for new beneficiaries and collects loans. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in strategic management, and holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
Shyam K. Iyer
Shyam
Founder, SKI Charities
SKI Charities was founded by Shyam K. Iyer, a finance professional.
