CELEBRATING THE JOY OF GRIT, GOODNESS AND GLORY | ESAF

Summary

This video celebrates 31 years of ESAF, a non-profit founded on Christian values to uplift marginalized communities. From humble beginnings in a small house, ESAF has grown into a major organization fostering economic empowerment through microloans, healthcare, housing, and education. Inspired by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, ESAF has created jobs, transformed lives, and supported sustainable development. With over 15,000 employees and 6.5 million customers, ESAF continues its mission of community transformation, social entrepreneurship, and sustainability, celebrating grit, goodness, and Glory in service to the underprivileged.

Takeaways

• 🌱 ESAF started 31 years ago as a small non-profit in Manuti, India, focused on helping marginalized communities.
• 🙏 ESAF was inspired by Christian values and formed by a group of like-minded individuals committed to helping the poor.
• 💼 ESAF's journey includes microfinance programs that transformed individuals from job seekers to job providers, aiding national economic growth.
• 🎖️ The organization has been influenced by Professor Muhammad Yunus' microcredit model, with seed capital from Grameen Trust playing a key role.
• 🏢 ESAF has grown into multiple ventures, including microfinance, healthcare, retail, housing, and self-help group federations.
• 🏫 ESAF supports education, providing schooling to thousands of students, with initiatives like Let Them Smile and Bridge Schools.
• 🌍 ESAF aligns its work with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on societal upliftment, not just profit.
• 🤝 ESAF has partnered with international organizations like World Bank and ILO, as well as the Indian government, for various social projects.
• 🏠 ESAF focuses on grassroots community transformation with initiatives like affordable housing, healthcare services, and sustainable farming.
• 🔧 ESAF empowers individuals by offering training programs in areas like solar energy installation, creating new entrepreneurs.

Q & A

What is the primary mission of ESAF, and how does it align with its founding principles?

ESAF’s primary mission is to uplift marginalized communities by addressing social issues, fostering economic prosperity, and promoting sustainability. This aligns with its founding principles of serving the poor and underprivileged, inspired by Christian teachings and driven by a commitment to community transformation.

How did ESAF begin its journey and where was it founded?

ESAF began its journey as a non-profit society in a small house in Manuti, where it provided shelter and support to marginalized communities.

What was the role of microfinance in ESAF’s growth and how did it evolve?

Microfinance played a crucial role in ESAF’s growth. Starting in 1995 with a micro-enterprise development program supported by Ecore, ESAF provided microloans that transformed individuals from job seekers into job providers. This initiative eventually led to the formation of ESAF Bank.

Who was Professor Muhammad Yunus, and how did he influence ESAF?

Professor Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and pioneer of microcredit, influenced ESAF by inspiring its microfinance initiatives. The seed capital from Grameen Trust, founded by Yunus, provided a foundation for ESAF’s growth.

What is the philosophy behind ESAF’s services and its commitment to sustainability?

ESAF’s services are based on the philosophy of 'People, Planet, Prosperity,' reflecting a commitment to sustainability. ESAF continuously strives to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.

What initiatives has ESAF launched to support marginalized communities and foster entrepreneurship?

ESAF launched several initiatives, including micro-entrepreneurship training programs, self-help groups for women, and ESAF Cooperative for last-mile services. It also introduced ESAF Retail to provide market access to farmers and micro-entrepreneurs.

How does ESAF contribute to education and youth empowerment in India?

ESAF supports education through projects like Let Them Smile, which operates 11 village schools and provides educational support to around 1,000 students. It also offers micro-entrepreneurship training and skill development programs to empower aspiring entrepreneurs.

What role does ESAF play in healthcare and community infrastructure development?

ESAF is involved in healthcare through initiatives like mobile medical vans in Kerala and multi-specialty hospitals in rural areas. It also supports community infrastructure through affordable housing projects and development initiatives like Prachodhan.

What projects has ESAF undertaken in partnership with the Indian government and international organizations?

ESAF partnered with the Indian government on projects like Sanchar Shakti Scheme and Ambedkar Hastashilp Vikas Yojana. International organizations like the World Bank and ILO have also collaborated with ESAF for project execution in India.

How does ESAF view its success, and what is the significance of its CSR programs?

ESAF views its success not just through awards and accolades but through its ability to positively impact underprivileged communities. Its CSR programs, funded by ESAF Bank, focus on critical issues like education, healthcare, sanitation, and livelihood development.