|
|
 |
SKS is an initiative to empower the poorest of the poor
to become self-reliant. Since 1998, SKS has been working in
India, where over 400 million people live in poverty, more than
any other country in the world. These poor people cope with
their vulnerability by turning to money-lenders who charge exploitative
rates of interest-often as high as 72% per year - that put the
poor in a debt trap. SKS breaks this cycle, by giving the poor
loans for emergencies and for income generating activities. |
 |
PROMOTING
MICRO-ENTERPRISE
The poor cannot access loans from conventional banks because
they have no collateral. SKS meets the needs of the poor by
providing collateral-free credit at their doorstep.
|
 |
EMPOWERING
WOMEN
SKS works through women's sangams ("collectives")
because women are the most marginalized and because women tend
to use resources more productively than men. That is, women
tend to invest their income in the household and for their children. |
BUILDING
ASSETS
The poor live on the brink of subsistence, and often have to
sell their limited assets or get into bonded labor (a form of
indentured servitude) to survive. Through the working capital
provided by SKS, poor people generate income, build assets,
and move toward self-reliance. |
SUPPORTING LIVELIHOODS
By providing loans to the poorest, we expect to help raise their
incomes and thus also spur the village economy. |
|
|
|
|
