ESI is a non-governmental organisation whose charity initiative is to provide practical assistance in the development and welfare for women and children. Particularly those who may feel excluded and marginalised from social and economic activities vital for general wellbeing and improved quality of life in the communities.

At ESI, we are genuinely concerned that despite collective efforts of various groups, organizations and their partners over the decades, it remains a great pity that it has not been possible to considerably stem the increase in poverty, illiteracy, environmental degradation, hardship and general marginalization of many vulnerable people in our society.

Founded in 2008 by the first lady of Rivers State, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mrs. Judith Amaechi, empowerment support initiative will primarily focus its efforts at grass roots level where voluntary work in the communities is considered most in need by the core group.

The work of which ESI volunteers in the community, in collaboration with local groups and other well meaning organisations shall be to assist with improvements in areas of education, health care, childcare, sanitation, nutrition and targeted skills development to help them with sustainable income generation.

ESI WOMEN INITIATIVE

ESI shall work with women to relieve poverty by developing capacities needed to bring about positive changes in ways which are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. The charity will support those areas where there already exists, practical initiatives by women at local community levels which represent real response to the needs and priorities of their communities. It is also the aim of ESI to assist with general issues surrounding economic literacy by facilitating the transfer of information on debt and structural adjustments to those victimised most from the effects thereof.

On health matters, ESI aim to work within established social model and participatory framework in the community in such areas as strategic and technical support in the delivery of effective communication programmes, particularly on various health risks and diseases including HIV/AIDS and also, communication on disability issues. This charity aims to help raise awareness of women’s rights in the community by promoting public support and respect for those rights.

ESI shall, where necessary, undertake to lobby government agencies to provide housing for those women in conditions of need and assist with improvement of housing in the public sector or in charitable ownership, provided that such power does not extend to relieving the local or any statutory obligation to housing and shelter in the communities.

ESI will support provision of recreational and vocational facilities for women who, by reason of their age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship and poor social circumstances, have desperate need for such facilities. Relief of financial hardship which is suffered by women in the communities through provision of business and enterprise initiatives in the communities by; setting up of factories or industry schools to benefit women in the community in such practical areas as fashion design and manufacture, furniture making and general household and cleaning substances production.

These initiatives are designed to ultimately help them towards financial independence and overall improvement in quality of life. Highlight and promote increased awareness of public safety of women and crime prevention. At Empowerment Support Initiative, most of our workers are primarily volunteers from home and abroad who have intimate knowledge of the social and welfare issues confronting our communities in southern Nigeria.

Our benefactors include philanthropists, charitable trusts, foundations, government bodies, corporate donors and general public. Following a process of ethical fund raising guidelines being adopted, ESI aims to further source assistance and grants for our work internationally such as the European Union, United Nations, United Kingdom, the USA, Asia and other established overseas development associations.

ESI CHILDREN INITIATIVE
ESI aim to offer:

• Capacity building on a range of training programmes in education, sports and vocational activities
• As much practical help as possible and also, opportunities for less privileged children where they live at home with their parents and/or other family members as their proven caretakers.
• Community based approach by using local and appropriate resources in promoting public awareness of issues such as children with disability and challenging negative attitudes towards the less fortunate in our society.
• By acknowledging appropriate charters of state, ESI shall work in collaboration with government bodies and other partners to strengthen services provision through vital professional, technical and material support.
• To advance the lives of children through activities and so develop their capabilities that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and responsible members of society.

Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) is a non-governmental organization, committed to the UN Convention on the Rights of Children.`

For more information about ESI, please visit http://www.esingo.org/