Considering the branches of the Group’s operating subsidiaries are very much part of the communities in which they are located, social impact initiatives are executed in the communities, as part of the Group’s commitment to social welfare.

The initiative of these projects predominantly lies with the field staff at the community branch level as they are in regular contact with the clients and community and understand their needs. The Company’s operating subsidiaries allocate between 0.5% and 1% of their profit (except where regulation requires otherwise, as in India, where it is 2%) to these activities. The projects themselves are highly regarded by colleagues, clients and the wider community. The projects focus on health, education or disaster management.

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, sanitary towels and medical equipment donations, health camps, a vaccination programme and early-cancer-detection services 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.

Read more on ASA India's vaccination program

Clean water and sanitation in Nigeria

Approximately 30% of the Nigerian population does not have access to safe drinking water. To address this issue, ASA Nigeria has installed a total of 30 boreholes in the past years, of which five in 2021. Besides economic and time-saving benefits, the water boreholes help to reduce waterborne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and the symptoms of diarrhoea, improving the health and productivity of the entire community.

Read more on our water borehole project

Education

Receiving quality education is a key factor in advancing financial inclusion and socioeconomic progress, and in 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 scholarship funds, skill development training, distributing study materials and a tutoring programme.

Tutoring programme in India

To address the educational gap in society, ASA India provides tutoring to students via their 85 ASA Pathsala’s. During the lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, ASA India conducted a survey amongst clients and found that many students were willing to study online, but did not have smartphones or tablet computers. Thus, 250 tablets were distributed to students which they can share to follow the online classes together.

Disaster management

Efforts are made to respond to current emergencies, contributing to clients’ safety in times of despair through capacity building. This mostly involves providing necessary resources to build upon the resilience of clients.

Due to the severe health risks and country regulations related to the pandemic, most operating subsidiaries have focused on Covid support efforts in 2021, accounting for 27% of the spent budget and 89% of the reached beneficiaries. This support often included distribution of essentials to ensure safety and hygiene, such as soap and reusable masks

Relief for victims of fire/demolition in Kenya

Displacement from or demolition of one’s home or business due to fire accidents or demolitions as part of road constructions are not infrequent in Kenya. In October 2021, to support the recovery process of clients and families affected by these incidents, cooking essentials were distributed to 50 families’ victims of the fire and large umbrellas were used as a temporary business set-up to five clients whose kiosk structures were demolished.

Relief for victims of typhoon in the Philippines

Typhoons are a regular occurrence during the monsoon season in the Philippines. In December 2021, two island groups were left in tatters due to typhoon Rai. As food is very scarce during calamities, those affected favour receiving non-perishable foods. Pagasa Philippines provided food packs, consisting of rice, canned goods and noodles, to 12,055 clients.