Microfinance Focus, March 8, 2011: Evangelical Social Action Forum (ESAF), a Kerala based Microfinance and livelihoods promotion organization was recently selected as the implementing partner for the Sanchar Sakthi scheme project, in Kerala and Tamil Nadu along with Sasken Communication and Technology Group.

The Sanchar Sakthi project, recently launched by Smt. Pratibha Patil, President of India in New Delhi is a DOT-USOF’s ‘Scheme for Mobile Value Added Service (VAS) and Information Communication Technology (ICT) related Livelihood Skills for Women’s SHGs in rural India.’

Vyaparsewa project, part of Sanchar Sakthi scheme, will have products of SHGs in Tamil Nadu and Kerala marketed with the help of NGOs in Delhi. The products include food products like pickles, honey, and medicinal products.

Established in 1992, ESAF offers programs for the poor including women, children and youth by providing them access to education, finance, health services, open markets, natural resources and technological support.