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.

Outlines

00:00

🎉 Celebrating 31 Years of ESAF's Journey

ESAF (Evangelical Social Action Forum) celebrates 31 years of service, highlighting its beginnings as a non-profit society founded in a small house in Manuti. Inspired by Christian values, ESAF has worked toward uplifting marginalized communities, focusing on social and economic transformation through programs like disaster relief and microenterprise development. Starting with microloans in 1995, ESAF helped individuals become job providers, impacting national progress. Inspired by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and funded by his Grameen Trust, ESAF grew into a multi-faceted organization with ventures in microfinance, healthcare, retail, and housing.

05:02

🌱 ESAF's Social Impact and Growth

ESAF's progress has been fueled by international investments and evolved into a recognized microfinance institution. Over time, ESAF expanded its services, contributing to community transformation from the grassroots, maintaining a focus on sustainability through its 'People, Planet, Prosperity' philosophy. ESAF also supports the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and emphasizes societal upliftment over profit. Through self-help groups, training, and on-ground support, it empowers women and entrepreneurs. ESAF has also launched initiatives like Rhema (a dairy brand) and affordable housing solutions to further support economic development.

10:03

🚑 Healthcare, Education, and Welfare Initiatives

ESAF's mobile medical vans provide healthcare to the underprivileged in Kerala. ESAF launched a staff welfare trust and was selected by the Government of India for projects like the Sanchar Shakti Scheme. International organizations like the World Bank and ILO have partnered with ESAF for various initiatives. Through the 'Let Them Smile' project, ESAF provides education to around 1,000 students in schools across Jharkhand and Assam. Additionally, the ESAF Foundation supports community welfare projects, and ESAF Bank contributes more than the required 2% of its profits toward CSR initiatives in areas such as health, sanitation, and livelihood development.

🌍 ESAF's Grassroots Projects for Sustainability and Welfare

Through various initiatives like the Bala Jyoti project, ESAF supports migrant laborers, addresses healthcare issues, and focuses on community welfare. It has launched projects like 'Santona' to spread mental health awareness and 'Pashu Mitra' to increase milk production through artificial insemination. ESAF also encourages sustainable farming and entrepreneurship in the solar energy sector. The 'Suraksha' COVID-19 vaccination awareness program was a notable success. Other initiatives include supporting traditional weavers, launching rural hospitals, and training economically backward students through nursing programs.

💡 Transforming Lives through Skill Training and Entrepreneurship

The story of Raheem, a solar PV system installer, highlights ESAF's impact on individual lives. After facing challenges in the solar energy sector, Raheem took part in ESAF's Urja Bandhu training, part of their CSR project. This training enabled him to become a successful entrepreneur in the solar energy field. ESAF has supported over 6.5 million people in realizing their dreams, with Raheem's story being just one of many. The organization's success is attributed to the blessings of God, its customers, well-wishers, and the dedicated efforts of ESAF staff.

Keywords

💡ESAF

ESAF is a non-profit organization that began 31 years ago with a focus on societal upliftment. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, it was created to serve marginalized communities by offering microfinance, health services, education, and economic development. The organization’s transformation over three decades exemplifies its commitment to improving lives at the grassroots level.

💡Microfinance

Microfinance refers to the provision of small loans to individuals who lack access to traditional banking services, often those in unbanked and underbanked communities. ESAF started offering microloans in 1995, enabling people to transform from job seekers into job providers, significantly impacting both individual lives and the nation’s economic growth.

💡Self-help groups

Self-help groups (SHGs) are small, community-based organizations formed to promote self-reliance among their members, particularly women. ESAF’s SHG initiatives provide skill training, micro-entrepreneurship guidance, and financial support, helping marginalized people become economically self-sufficient. These groups play a vital role in ESAF's community development mission.

💡Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global objectives defined by the United Nations to address critical world challenges, including poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. ESAF’s mission is aligned with these goals, striving to achieve them through various initiatives like microfinance, healthcare, and environmental projects.

💡Muhammad Yunus

Professor Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, is the pioneer of the microcredit concept, which inspired ESAF's microfinance model. His work through the Grameen Bank has significantly influenced ESAF's strategy to empower underserved populations by offering financial services and entrepreneurial opportunities.

💡Grameen Trust

The Grameen Trust, founded by Professor Muhammad Yunus, provided seed capital to ESAF in 1998, which was instrumental in its growth. This funding allowed ESAF to scale its microfinance operations and develop related initiatives that support sustainable development and community transformation.

💡CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to a business’s obligation to contribute positively to society. ESAF Bank's CSR fund is used to execute projects in education, healthcare, sanitation, and environmental conservation, often exceeding the regulatory requirement. These efforts further ESAF’s mission of national development.

💡Community transformation

Community transformation is the process of improving the social, economic, and environmental conditions within a community. ESAF’s efforts focus on creating opportunities for the underprivileged by providing access to education, healthcare, and financial services, aiming to rebuild lives and restore hope for marginalized populations.

💡Livable Cities India

Livable Cities India is an initiative launched by ESAF to make Indian cities more inclusive, people-friendly, and sustainable. This project focuses on urban development that aligns with the principles of equity and sustainability, addressing issues such as access to clean water, sanitation, and healthy living conditions.

💡Artificial insemination and Pashu Mitra Project

The Pashu Mitra Project, launched by ESAF, aims to improve milk production through artificial insemination, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of rural dairy farmers. It not only supports agricultural development but also provides employment opportunities to the youth in the sector, contributing to economic growth in rural areas.

Highlights

Celebrating 31 years of ESAF's journey, marked by grit, goodness, and glory.

ESAF was founded in a small house in Manuti as a non-profit society dedicated to helping the marginalized.

Motivated by the teachings of Jesus Christ, ESAF has transformed communities through disaster relief and economic empowerment programs.

The microenterprise development program, launched in 1995 with Every Core's support, helped people shift from job seekers to job providers.

Professor Muhammad Yunus' microcredit model inspired ESAF's growth, with seed capital from Grameen Trust in 1998.

ESAF expanded into several sectors, including microfinance, retail, healthcare, housing, and self-help groups.

ESAF’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in their focus on people, planet, and prosperity, in line with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Through its micro-entrepreneurship training programs, ESAF has supported many aspiring entrepreneurs, providing guidance and resources.

ESAF has launched initiatives like Rhema (milk brand) and Lahanti Homes to address community needs such as affordable housing and market access.

The ‘Let Them Smile’ project has provided education to over 1,000 students in 11 village schools, creating lasting social impact.

ESAF has been chosen as an implementing partner by the Government of India for several national projects, including the Sanchar Shakti Scheme.

Mental health programs like Santona and the Pashu Mitra Project (boosting milk production) demonstrate ESAF’s diverse approach to community development.

With over 15,000 employees and 6.5 million customers, ESAF is making strides toward community upliftment, driven by its strong social mission.

ESAF Bank has created a dedicated sustainability department, one of the first Indian banks to do so.

Rahim’s story, a solar PV system installer trained through ESAF's CSR project, exemplifies how the organization empowers individuals to become successful entrepreneurs.

Transcripts

[Music]

this is the story of isaf and 3GS more

than three decades of grit goodness and

Glory celebrating 31 years of isaf

Joy of grit little steps lead to big

changes and our journey began from

Little a small house in manuti where

isaf started as a non-profit Society it

was a home that gave shelter to the

dreams of the marginalized

[Music]

and even after 31 years isaf continues

to do so

motivated by the teachings of Jesus

Christ isaf was formed by a small group

of like-minded people committed to

loving their neighbors and the poor we

have touched the lives of many people by

addressing social issues and by giving

hope through our disaster relief

programs we believe in bringing economic

prosperity to the unbanked and

underbanked sectors in our society

and for that with the support of every

core a Delhi based NGO we started a

micro Enterprise development program in

1995 and these micro loans fostered the

progress of not just an individual but

the nation as a whole it enabled many

people transformed from job Seekers into

job providers

which in the long run opened avenues for

thousands of others and led to the

growth of the nation from its roots

Professor Muhammad yunus Nobel Peace

Prize winner and the pioneer of micro

credit concept is the source of

motivation for isaf the seed Capital

funded by Grameen Trust founded by

Professor Muhammad yunus in 1998 was the

foundation of isaf's growth

producer company esav microfinance esaf

retail esaf Healthcare esaf Cooperative

esoph homes and esaf self-help group

Federation are the results of that seed

capital

[Music]

also social investments from opportunity

International Australia through its

subsidiary Dr vikas capital and oilco

credit Netherlands through its

subsidiary manavia Holdings contributed

heavily to the aspirations of isaf as a

national brand as years passed by our

micro Enterprises development evolved

into microfinance institution and

finally took shape as Esau bank today

isaf has become a household name in

India

Community transformation activities must

start from the Grassroots and from the

day one contributing to National

Building from its roots has been the

philosophy of esaf

we have faced a lot of

resistance and hurdles when we try to

turn this dream into a reality but we

went ahead and took The Road Less

Traveled with True Grit Joy of goodness

we are committed to sustainability which

is why our services are based on the

philosophy people Planet prosperity and

we continuously strive to achieve the 17

sustainable development goals of the

United Nations

Esa focused on societal upliftment from

day one and profit was just an offshoot

of our Focus

our self-help groups or women helped

many become self-reliant and the micro

entrepreneurship training programs

helped many aspiring entrepreneurs with

the right guidance

the self-help group Federation Trust of

esaf helped the members with skill

training and on-site support esaf

cooperative and lanti Last Mile Services

function as The Last Mile arm of esaf

Bank launched Rhema esaf's own milk

brand

here Dairy Farmers were able to supply

the milk to collection centers directly

said our retail earlier known as esav

retail was launched with the noble

intention of providing micro

entrepreneurs farmers and sangham

members access to the markets

lahanti homes was launched to provide

affordable housing solutions to those

who are in need and also to empower the

community infrastructure the development

initiative named prachodhan development

services was a relief to the people in

the eastern and Northeastern states of

India as part of the same initiative we

have a mobile medical van operating in

Kerala which gives access to medical

facilities to the underprivileged

above all the launch of esaf Staff

welfare trust is the most valued this

was another significant move as we

always consider our staff as our

greatest asset

government of India had chosen esaf as

the implementing partner for projects

like sanchar Shakti scheme ambedkar

hasta shell vikas yojana and NPS light

in 2011. international agencies like ILO

and World Bank have selected esaf for

executing their projects in India

a smile on a child's face is a blessing

that's exactly what let them smile

project of esaf has done so far

currently esaf provides education to

almost thousand students through 11

Village Schools including two high

schools in jharkhand and Assam in

addition we provide educational support

through our Bridge schools recently a

student named seven Soren who studied in

the first batch of lahanti public school

received admission for BA English at

English and foreign language University

Hyderabad for the past 31 years we have

been serving the communities in which we

operate and have always been dedicated

to make a positive social impact

with the support of Esau bank's CSR fund

Esau Foundation is executing numerous

projects for different segments at the

bottom of the pyramid across India for

CSR the bank is spending more than the

regulatory requirement of two percent of

its profit and addresses critical issues

like Education Health sanitation

environment and livelihood development

the CSR programs executed through South

bank's CSR fund are a testament to it

Bala Jyoti is an initiative to help

children become active members in the

progress of the society

so far through isafga we have reached

around 10 000 migrant laborers the

project is initiated to address Health

Care issues and ensure the welfare of

the migrants

Santona a mental health awareness

program is spreading joy to many

Esa of pashu Mitra project aims to

enhance milk production through

artificial insemination and provides

employment opportunities for the Youth

isaf kushuk Mitra focuses on making

farming a sustainable livelihood

aims at creating trained entrepreneurs

in solar energy sector

our covet vaccination awareness program

suraksha was a major success among the

people

[Music]

kaitange was an initiative to support

kotampally Weavers and revive handloom

production esaf has launched

multi-specialty hospitals in rural areas

our nursing school provides nursing

education for students belonging to

socially and economically backward

communities and thousands of students

have been trained so far

limbs was started with the goal of

helping the marginalized develop their

skills and earn a livelihood

we are also partnering with the union

and state governments for the execution

of projects like ddu gky and sap

at esaf we are committed to

sustainability practices and at e-south

bank we have a department dedicated to

sustainable practices perhaps the only

Bank from India to do so

jalanidi and Nirmal jivan Dara projects

are government initiatives implemented

by esaf to help communities get access

to individual water connections and

toilets livable cities India is an

initiative to make our cities inclusive

people-friendly and healthy

we believe that goodness is in restoring

hope and rebuilding lives

the idea of isabs stemmed from our dream

of

creating an institution committed to

serving the community irrespective of

gender caste and greed

Joy Of Glory our services and commitment

have earned us numerous Awards and

accolades over the years

besides our Awards and accolades we find

our glory in rewriting the story of the

underprivileged

[Music]

life changed for Raheem when he decided

to install a solar PV system in his home

while installing he faced many

inadequacies that were preventing the

segment from thriving when Rahim learned

about the urja bandhu training offered

by isaf as part of its CSR project he

didn't think twice soon he enrolled in

the course and successfully completed

the training immediately after the

training he began his journey as a solar

PV system installer

today Raheem is a confident entrepreneur

in solar sector and he is grateful for

the training and support esaf provided

him throughout his journey

there are over 6.5 Million Dreams that

we helped take flight and this story is

one among them

[Music]

even after 31 years we continue to

encourage and Inspire the people at the

bottom of the pyramid to pursue their

dreams today we have more than 15 000

employees and over 6.5 million customers

whom we consider as our biggest asset

this Glory that we are celebrating now

would not have been possible

with all the blessing of almighty God

and the support of our customers well

wishes

[Music]

Associates and all esophians

and with

we take for your sincere and dedicated

effort in being active reporters of all

our initiative so far isaf

[Music]