Shivia Microfinance

Shivia Microfinance is a UK-based charity that works with communities living below the poverty line in India and Nepal. We provide both training and capital to these communities so that they can start up sustainable enterprises and lift themselves out of abject poverty.

Loans are very small - £120 on average - and usually this is the first time our recipients have ever taken out a loan. With these loans they start up small enterprises such as basket-weaving, shops, sari making and poultry raising. The loans are often described as "life-changing" and lead to positive knock-on effects in the community such as enabling children to go to school for the first time.

Web site: www.shivia.com