The branches of the operating subsidiaries, being an integral part of the communities in which they operate, undertake social impact initiatives to fulfil their commitment to social welfare. The initiative of these projects predominantly lies with the field staff at the branch level, as they maintain regular contact with clients and the community and understand their needs.

To fund these activities, the Company’s subsidiaries allocate a percentage of their profits, typically between 0.5% and 1%, except in countries such as India, where regulations stipulate a higher percentage of 2%. The projects are highly regarded by colleagues, clients and the wider
community, and focus on improving health, education, or providing relief efforts.

Health

Contributing to the health and well-being of the community, especially to that of the most vulnerable, is a vital aspect of improving their lives. The Company conducts many different projects in this field, such as wheelchair distributions, health camps and medical screenings in collaboration with reputable health organisations. To reduce waterborne diseases, the installation of water filters, tanks, treatment plants and boreholes at schools or in the communities are organised.

Community-based health insurance and covering medical costs in Rwanda

ASA Rwanda has recently taken action to give back to the community by conducting two activities in the Nyamagabe District. These activities included providing community-based health insurance to 700 vulnerable families and covering the medical expenses of 13 families at Kigeme hospital. The event was attended by ASA Rwanda staff and clients, Nyamagabe district staff, Kigeme hospital staff, media, program participants, and members of the community.

Education

Receiving quality education is a key factor in advancing socioeconomic progress and escaping poverty, since higher levels of education are associated with increased financial independence and greater ability to create wealth and participation in the economy. Therefore, various projects have been initiated which encourage learning and development, such as student bursaries, distributing educational materials and necessities to schools and a tutoring programme called ‘ASA Pathsala'.

Study materials and lunch for school children in Nigeria

Secondary school dropout is not uncommon in Nigeria due to poverty and illiteracy of guardians, especially in rural and semi-urban communities. To ease financial burdens and encourage children to stay in school, ASA Nigeria offers student bursaries to children of clients. In 2022, 620 students participated in this scheme, most using the bursary to pay their tuition and a few students spending the bursary on schoolbooks and materials. The response to the scheme is positive, with participants saying they feel more determined to excel and that it has helped to reduce financial burdens. This project started in 2019 and is repeated annually.

Relief efforts

Efforts are made to respond to emergency situations and contributing to clients’ safety in times of despair through capacity building. This involves providing necessary resources to build upon the resilience of clients. Support related to the Covid pandemic includes distribution of essentials to ensure safety and hygiene, such as soap, reusable masks and hand-washing buckets. In the case of natural disasters, this support includes contributions to the provision of basic necessities, such as food, shelter and medicine. Relief is extended beyond “emergency” situations to address fundamental needs, such as food security and adequate housing.

Contributing to food security in Uganda

ASA Uganda’s Kaliro branch, located in an agricultural area in Eastern Uganda where many clients earn a living through farming, recently donated hand hoes to 300 farmers in the district. Hand hoes are the primary tool farmers use when cultivating their land, and many were in need of new equipment to boost their food production. While most of the Company’s community projects serve the broader community, this donation was appreciated by the farmers on a personal level. The donation was celebrated with the community.

Relief for typhoon victims in the Philippines

In September 2022, the city of Malalos in the Bulacan province on Luzon Island was severely affected by super typhoon Karding (Noru). As food is scarce during calamities, those affected benefit from receiving non-perishable foods. As the streets were flooded, staff of Pagasa Philippines went door-to-door to distribute goods to 268 clients.