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A Word with SKIC’s Founder
SKIC founder Shyam K. Iyer visiting a site in Myanmar SKI Charities’ founder Shyam K. Iyer discusses the path that brought him to work for women’s empowerment and the impact that this work has made on him. In your own words, what is your role in SKI Charities? My role is to make sure we…
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A Conversation with Shyam: State of the Foundation
2014 marks the beginning of SKI Charities’ fourth year of activity. In this podcast, the charity’s founder, Shyam K. Iyer, reflects upon the past year and articulates his goals for the coming year. Listen in to hear our Re-Cap of 2013 and Preview of 2014!
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A Conversation with Shyam: Health Issues in Chile and Zimbabwe
SKIC’s mission – to bring entrepreneurship, education, and empowerment to women in Lebu, Chile and Mutare, Zimbabwe – is a mission that extends beyond providing loans to SKIC participants so that their businesses can begin to take shape. Our charity also works with women to build the confidence they need to network, act upon their…
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A Word with our SKIpgo Zimbabwe Program Manager
Elizabeth, our program manager for SKIpgo-Zimbabwe, discusses her work with SKI Charities and her passion for child development. In your own words, what is your role in SKI charities? I work for the SKIpgo Zimbabwe Trust, one of the projects run by SKI charities in Mutare, Zimbabwe. I recruit candidates who are eligible for the…
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A Conversation with Shyam: The Election in Chile
A run-off election this upcoming Sunday, December 15th, will determine Chile’s next president. SKI Charities founder, Shyam K. Iyer, sits down to talk with us about the political climate in Chile, and how it affects SKIC beneficiaries in Lebu.
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Less is More: The Benefits of Microfinance
For SKI Charities, keeping things at a micro level is essential to the organization’s success. Charity founder, Shyam K. Iyer asserts, “When you’re doing microfinance at such a local level, it’s not just about these women creating their own wealth and creating their own businesses. What about the spillover effects?” Shyam notes that SKImfi beneficiaries…
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Microfinance, the Perfect Fit for SKI Charities
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…
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A Word with our SKImfi Zimbabwe Field Officer
Our field officer for SKImfi-Zimbabwe discusses his work with SKI Charities and the path that led him to develop a passion for woman and child development. What is your role in SKI Charities? My role is to identify prospective loan beneficiaries, those who are struggling to make ends meet and need a boost to increase…
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Happy 3rd Birthday SKIC! – Zimbabwe Photo Journal
In October of 2010, Shyam K. Iyer began SKI Charities. Two countries, three projects, and hundreds of beneficiaries later, the organization is now celebrating it’s 3rd birthday. And we are just getting started. To celebrate the occasion we commissioned a photojournal of our very first project, the SKImfi Microfinance Institute in Mutare, Zimbabwe. To view…
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A Conversation with Shyam: Inspiration Found in Local Mapuche Craft-Making and Cuisine
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…