XHUMA Latin America
Founded in 2012 by a dedicated group of students from the Master of International Strategy and Management (SIM) at the University of St. Gallen, XHUMA has consistently focused on promoting financial literacy to combat poverty in South Africa, a mission that has united generations of SIM participants.
Initially focused on teaching locals to sell products internationally and manage their finances, XHUMA later expanded to create savings plans for single mothers. Ultimately, the initiative found its core in financial workshops for underprivileged school students, which have remained a focal point ever since. With each generation, meaningful partnerships were forged, and innovative activities were developed to promote financial literacy in the region.
A key component of XHUMA’s program is “The Money Game”, which immerses students in South Africa in real-world financial scenarios, encouraging informed choices about spending, investing, and saving. Recently, a mentoring program and workshops emphasizing personal development and career enhancement were launched, further empowering the students.
In response to the growing interest among SIM students in carrying XHUMA's mission forward, this year the team is splitting to create XHUMA Latin America, expanding its impact beyond South Africa. Through these initiatives, XHUMA aims to continue improving the lives of many, equipping them with essential financial knowledge and skills to thrive and positively impact their communities.
Building on XHUMA’s legacy of 12 years, we are eager to expand our reach to micro-entrepreneurs in Latin America. This new endeavor will empower them to effectively manage their financial resources through hands-on workshops and training sessions, creating opportunities for innovation, and uplifting their communities along the way.
As we embark on this journey on a new continent, we are actively seeking a partner organization that shares our vision for social impact and is ready to collaborate with us to make a meaningful difference. Together, we can transform lives, drive sustainable growth in the region, and equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed
Our initiative aligns with multiple SDGs to promote a more equitable and sustainable future. We address poverty (SDG 1) by empowering micro-entrepreneurs from underprivileged communities with financial literacy. By providing quality education (SDG 4), we enhance skills and support local businesses to contribute to economic growth (SDG 8) while reducing inequalities (SDG 10). We promote sustainable cities (SDG 11) through local economic development and collaborate with various stakeholders to strengthen partnerships (SDG 17).
Eduardo Ludwig Bernardo | Finance & Fundraising |
Louisa Henle | Project Management |
Mateo Chiriboga | Partnerships |
Orion Graf von Reischach | Program Design |
Paola Peralta | Communications |
Vaitheeshwar Prakash | Logistics |
Vasilis Kanellopoulos | Operations |