ESAF receives RNTCP certificate for supporting National Tuberculosis control program ESAF team in Chhattisgarh received a certificate of appreciation from District TB officer recognizing Organization’s support towards Govt. of India’s efforts in Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP). Chandrabhan Mannade, Branch Manager, Mahasamund received the certificate on behalf of ESAF. Last year, ESAF organized 52 TB sensitization meetings and 26 mid-media activities, apart from organizing awareness programs at District Hospital Auditorium and Mahasamund Jail. On March 24, 2013 ESAF in association with Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA), New Delhi observed World TB Day ... Read more

ESAF conducts beta testing of universal standards of social performance With the help of EDA rural systems, ESAF Microfinance conducted beta testing of Universal Standards of Social Performance. The testing was conducted in two phases where in the first phase interviews were conducted with the senior and core management team and also with the branch staff and clients to know about their perception on the essential practices under social performance. Accordingly the gaps were identified and in the second phase the EDA team conducted two days workshop with the senior management team to chalk out action plan for streamlining SPM within ESAF Microfinance. Frances Sinh... Read more

ESAF observes World Water Day ESAF branches in Bhilai, Durg and Ranandgaon observed World Water Day on March 22, 2013 in association with water.org and Pepsico. The event was organized to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and advocate sustainable management of freshwater resources. The theme for world water day 2013 was ‘water co-operation’. ESAF Nirmal Jeevan Dhara(NJD) Project team conducted various awareness programmes on water conservation and safe water usage. Sangam members, stakeholders, public representatives and community leaders participated in the program. Amit Das, Programme officer, NJD, Anik V G... Read more

ESAF client profile shows the importance of Microfinance The client profile of ESAF when analyzed gave some astonishing revelations on the important role played by microfinance in the lives of the poor. The study shows that 24.22% clients have stayed with ESAF for more than 5 years and 97% have a say in the financial decisions of their households. When 56% have employed others under them 81% have regular attendance in sangam meetings. The survey was conducted across different regions covering Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Central India and North India. Read more

ESAF MD receives Karma Ratna   K. Paul Thomas, Founder and Managing Director, ESAF, received the Karma Ratna Award instituted by Mythri Event Cultural Association (based in Thiruvananthapuram), for his contributions in the field of livelihood promotion and social change. On Feb 25, 2013, Anoop Jacob, Honorable Minister for Civil Supplies, presented the award in a function held at the State capital. During his inaugural address, Anoop Jacob congratulated the award winners and explained the role social entrepreneurs could play for the holistic development of the society. K. Paul Thomas later opined that the award be... Read more

ESAF Microfinance MD participates in TiE Kerala K. Paul Thomas, Managing Director, ESAF Microfinance, was invited to participate in the Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Kerala Meeting held at IMA House, Kaloor, Kochi on February 27, 2013. TiE is a global not-for-profit organization focused on promoting entrepreneurship. K. Paul Thomas delivered a lecture on ‘Creating Opportunities through Microfinance’ which was well received by the participants.  Read more

ESAF distributes prizes to the winners of SBI Life Insurance contest ESAF Microfinance distributed prizes to the winners of the sales contest for promoting SBI Life Insurance. Rani Stephen, Pozhiyoor branch, won the individual performer award. Don Bosco, Vizhinjm area won the best Area Manager award. Parasala branch was chosen as the top performing branch in the contest. 72 employees won consolation prizes. Gold coins for the best individual performer and best AM were sponsored by SBI Life Insurance Company.   Read more

ESAF participates in regional convention on Microfinance ESAF Microfinance participated in the regional convention on Microfinance, titled ‘Changing Millions' Lives’ organized by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Kerala Association of Microfinance Institutions (KAMFI) and Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN), held at Hotel Windsor Rajadhani, Trivandrum, on February 14, 2013. K. Paul Thomas, Chairman- KAMFI and Founder and Managing Director, ESAF Microfinance welcomed the gathering. During his welcome note K. Paul Thomas said that the direct impact of microfinance activities was crucial in uplifting the poor w... Read more

Sara Joseph visits ESAF Stall Sarah Joseph, eminent novelist and short story writer visited ESAF stall set up at Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Campus, Thrissur, as part of the 8th VIBGYOR International Film Festival held from Feb 07-12, 2013.  The exhibition showcased an array of bamboo products from Jharkhand. The sheer quality of the products left her spellbound and she commended ESAF for its skill development initiatives among the lesser privileged, in the rural regions of Jharkhand.  Read more

ESAF Swasraya Producers Company wins some powerful customers ESAF Swasraya Producers Company Ltd. (ESPCL), now has some powerful men in their clientele in the form of State MLAs.  ESAF sangam members can also feel proud of the fact that eco-friendly laptop bags produced by them are used by customers who really matter to them.  All members were given laptop bags, with 5 bags each to the ministers. The project was sponsored by National Coir Research & Management Institute, Thiruvananthapuram under the guidance of Adoor Prakash, Hon’ble Minister for Revenue & Coir.   Read more

ESAF organizes blood donation camp as part of 21st anniversary celebrations As part of the 21st anniversary celebrations, ESAF organized a blood donation camp at ESAF Medical Centre Mannuthy, on March 11, 2013, in association with Blood Bank Thrissur Medical College. The camp was inaugurated by M.P. Vincent, MLA, Ollur Constituency. Prof. Elizabeth John, President, ESAF Society presided over the thanks giving function held at the Corporate office on the previous day. George Thomas, Director Operations, ESAF Microfinance, welcomed the gathering. Rev. Dr. Idicheria Ninan, Vice President, ESAF rendered the keynote message. K. Paul Thomas, Founder and Executive Direct... Read more

63% roads don’t have foot paths, says an ESAF study   In a first of its kind initiative in the State, ESAF in association with HealthBridge Canada, has published a study report on ‘Pedestrian friendly Thrissur city’ as part of Livable Cities program. I.P. Paul, Hon’ble Mayor, Thrissur city released the report, which threw light on the challenges faced by the pedestrians and current conveniences available to them. During his presidential address K. Paul Thomas, Managing Director, ESAF Microfinance opined that in the city development programs, lack of vision in protecting pedestrian rights was clearly evident. He added that in the areas... Read more

ESAF Organizes Walkathon     ESAF Livable Cities Project team organized a walkathon on February 25, 2013 to draw the attention of the Corporation authorities to the issues faced by pedestrians. George Thomas, Director Operations, ESAF Microfinance flagged off the rally. In his inaugural address George Thomas said that the rally was held to keep the authorities aware of the pedestrian rights, which were more often met with utter disregard. Nearly 200 people from various schools, colleges and organizations participated in the rally.  Read more

ESAF observes International Women's Day      ESAF SHG Federation organized World Women’s Day on March 08, 2013, the program was presided over by Mereena Paul, Director ESAF and Chief HR / Grievance Cell, ESAF Microfinance. Adv. K. Thulasi, State Committee Member, All India Mahila Association inaugurated the meeting. ESAF women staff and sangam members along with students from various colleges participated in the public meeting held at Mannuthy. Ambika Soman, Manager-ESAF SHG Federation welcomed the gathering. Both Mereena Paul and Adv. K. Thulasi praised women as the cornerstone of family unity and underscor... Read more

ESAF observes Republic Day ESAF celebrated 64th Republic Day on Jan 26, 2013 at the Head Office premises. K. Paul Thomas, Managing Director, ESAF Microfinance hoisted the National Flag and delivered the Republic day message. Flag hoisting was followed by fireworks. In his message, Paul Thomas dwelt on the possibilities and challenges that the nation was confronted with. He underscored the role that organizations like ESAF have to play in the economic and social development of the country. He added that ESAF is dedicated to upholding the values of unity that drive the nation. ESAF participates in the Republic Day rally&... Read more

Water doesn’t force Shalu to meet her waterloo ShaluTirpude resides in Silli near Bhandara. For this poor lady, collecting water for daily use was an uphill task as she couldn't afford owning a water tap connection at home. She... Read more

Vimala a winner in a man's world Manufacturing and dealing with nuts and bolts is no more the fiefdom of men. That's what Vimala Ramdas from Perinjanam, Thrissur, exemplifies. The 45 year old lady is silently putt... Read more

'Sevai' means life for Sujatha Sujata Shewre owns an enterprise which specializes in producing Sevai (vermicelli). The sweetness of her smile is now sweeter than her product as her business is now known in the n... Read more

Her 'mirror' reflects her dreams... Her 'mirror' reflects her dreams... Like any other teenager, Severina George, too found it difficult to come to terms with the untimely demise of her father. Hailing from Mulaya... Read more

She loves the breakfast lovers... Premambikai, owns an ‘instant mix’ rice flour producing unit in Pollachi-Tamil Nadu, and is making it big among the micro-entrepreneurs. As a healthy breakfast supplement her produ... Read more

Umbrellas prove an umbrella to Sulochana's life… 19 years back Sulochana Ramakrishnan came to Laloor along with her husband Ramakrishnan and two children, Nisha and Neethu. Ramakrishnan was a daily wage earner and Sulochana used ... Read more

For Shalini ESAF water loans proved a blessing… The story of Shalini Yashwant Wagde (aged 34) illustrates the positive impact, microfinance can make on improving the quality of life of slumdwellers. Shalini, along with her husba... Read more

For Zeenath Sincerity is the Secret of Success 40 year old Zeenath Sidhik’s life is an example of how perseverance pays off in one’s life. She proves that attitude is the key to success and believes that success doesn... Read more