Name of Organisation
Economic and Social Empowerment of Rural Communities, ESERC
Organizational Overview
Economic and Social Empowerment of Rural Communities (ESERC) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the rights, health, and well-being of vulnerable and underserved populations in Nigeria.
Established in 1999 and formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2006 (RC: 651052), ESERC emerged from a shared vision of four development professionals three women and one man who, inspired by their work with international organizations such as UNICEF, sought to address the deep-rooted inequalities affecting rural communities.
Their early research revealed a troubling trend: while many urban children progressed through tertiary education, children in rural areas, particularly girls, were often unable to complete even primary school. Contributing factors included poverty, harmful traditional practices, and limited access to healthcare and education.
Since its inception, ESERC has worked to close this gap by promoting child rights, community development, gender equality, health equity, and access to quality education and services. The organization has evolved into a dynamic actor in social development, driving innovative, community-centered solutions that address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), HIV/AIDS, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), immunization, and social protection.
Vision:
ESERC envisions a society where children grow up free from neglect, abuse, illiteracy, and poverty, and where women live free from violence and harmful practices. The organization also seeks to create a society where quality healthcare services are accessible, affordable, and available to all citizens, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, age, or health status.
Mission:
ESERC’s mission is to collaborate with various partners and stakeholders to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations, ensure the empowerment of women and children, and advocate for accessible healthcare services for all. Through education, advocacy, and empowerment initiatives, ESERC works toward a future where every individual can achieve their full potential and live with dignity and respect.
Goal:
To foster inclusive and resilient communities where every child thrives, every woman is empowered, and all individuals have equitable access to health, education, protection, and opportunities for a life of dignity and self-reliance.
Core Values:
Commitment
Honesty
Accountability
Passion
Transparency
Team Work
Strategic Objectives:
- Promote community participation in the design and implementation of child protection and development programs.
- Strengthen the capacity of individuals, families, and communities to claim their socio-economic, civil, and political rights.
- Address the root causes of vulnerability, especially among women, children, and marginalized populations.
- Support systems strengthening and policy engagement to promote human rights in health and social development.
Legal and Operational Status:
Economic and Social Empowerment of Rural Communities (ESERC) is a duly registered non-governmental, non-profit organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria (CAC). The organization is accredited to operate across all States of the Federation and is officially recognized in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
ESERC maintains strategic partnerships with government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs); bilateral and multilateral donor agencies; Civil Society Networks; and influential community stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders. These partnerships enhance ESERC’s capacity to deliver impactful, community-based programs that respond to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Governance and Decision-Making:
ESERC operates with a participatory governance structure led by a Board of Directors. The organization ensures democratic engagement in its decision-making processes, with community beneficiaries and local partners playing a consultative role in project design, implementation, and review.
