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, providing educational resources to young girls can have a far reach in expanding the potential of a community and a nation. Our SKIpgo initiative provides scholarships to highly motivated girls who show early promise.
We conceptualize microfinance and education scholarships 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 individuals with tools and skills that allow them to pick themselves up and keep themselves there. We place an emphasis on sustainability and believe in supporting projects that will powerfully influence local economic development and growth.
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 encouraging a more stable and enriched world. This development begins by empowering 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.
SKI Charities relies on the investments and donations from those who share our mission. The organization uses these donations to fund 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.
Learn about how you can help us achieve our mission here.
Our History
SKI Charities commenced operations in October 2010, with the goal of providing economic support to empower women 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, worked their way through an education and to successful careers. He was inspired by the strength, spirit and endurance of these women and was motivated to help other women in developing countries achieve the same level of achievement and independence. His passion and commitment to helping women in the developing world is the driving force behind SKI Charities. His understanding of the world economy and his international background have given him a unique insight into the potential of developing geographies.
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 local women 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.
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.
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 Bastidas
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 drives the work on the ground and guides it to success.
Elizabeth Mateko
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.
Lindsay Mhalanga
Project Manager, SKImfi — Mutare, Zimbabwe
Lindsay was born and raised in the Mutare area, where she previously ran her own clothing business as a single mother. Her experience has given her unique insight into the issues and challenges that female entrepreneurs face in the region. She exemplifies the kind of women SKImfi tries to reach. Through her drive and passion, she energetically translates management vision into action.
Lucy Mufandaedza
Operations Coordinator, SKI Charities — Mutare, Zimbabwe
Lucy has a reputation as a friendly, smart and kind connoisseur of the market, having worked with several NGOs in Mutare. SKI charities sought her out very early on. She advised us on how to enter the market and has been committed to our mission ever since. Her experience and community network are invaluable, and they help drive the daily operations of SKI Charities.
Shyam K. Iyer
Founder, SKI Charities
SKI Charities was founded by Shyam K. Iyer, a finance professional who sought to give sustainable support to females in disregarded geographies but couldn’t find the right outlet to do so. He is the managing director of SKI Finance LLC.