Addressing hunger requires action and empathy. In a world where hunger continues to persist, Estontec Group, led by Founder Mr. Levis Wilson, is taking steady steps to alleviate hunger among communities. Their CSR drive is focused specifically on alleviating hunger and nurturing communities. Mr. Wilson, a key figure in this initiative, shares insights on their endeavors in this heartwarming interview with TheCSRUniverse.
Inspired by a pivotal moment in Mr. Wilson's early career- where he encountered an 8-year-old orphan sharing his food with his brother- this initiative has become a testament to the company's commitment to shared responsibility. In this interview, we delve into Estontec's fourth consecutive year of tireless efforts, aiming to establish a dedicated kitchen providing daily meals to 1000-2000 people. The company's multifaceted approach goes beyond immediate relief, incorporating feedback and community consultations to ensure lasting positive change. Join us as we explore the motivations, impactful initiatives, and the ongoing commitment to creating a sustained positive impact on the community.
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Q. What personal experiences or values inspired you, as the founder of Estontec, to lead the company in launching this impactful CSR drive?
A. This CSR drive is deeply personal to me. I vividly recall encountering an 8-year-old orphan, burdened with the responsibility of caring for his 4-year-old brother. The image of this resilient young boy, emaciated and fatigued, holding his sibling while watching others partake in their meals, left an indelible mark on my conscience. This profound experience occurred during a pivotal moment when, despite his own hunger, the young boy sprinted to procure food and promptly fed his brother. His selflessness, his unwavering commitment to prioritizing the sustenance of his younger sibling, stirred something deep within me. It was a stark reminder of the shared responsibility we bear for the well-being of those in need, especially the most vulnerable among us.
This poignant encounter became the catalyst for Estontec's CSR initiative. The CSR drive, therefore, isn't just a corporate endeavor; it's a personal journey to honor the spirit of that young boy and countless others who silently endure. It's about translating empathy into action, ensuring that no one faces hunger alone, and creating a positive impact that echoes beyond our corporate walls.
Q. Please describe a memorable interaction during the door-to-door visits that profoundly impacted you or the team, emphasizing the human aspect of this initiative?
A. During the drive, our team encountered a heart-wrenching situation. They approached a half-open door, and knocked, but received no response. Opening the door, they discovered a weary mother sitting on the floor with her two children asleep on her laps. Exhausted and devoid of hope, the team handed over a kit containing essential provisions like rice, sugar, wheat, and oil.
As she received the kit, the mother collapsed to the ground, clutching it tightly. In a moment that tugged at our hearts, she shared, "I was thinking about how I would feed these kids, as our ration at home had run empty since yesterday. My husband, battling alcoholism, had not been home for the past two days. Your arrival, like angels at the right time, has strengthened my belief in my God. It feels like my prayers have been answered."
This encounter ignited a profound realization within our team—there might be more mothers and families silently struggling. It serves as a poignant reminder of the effect our drive can have on those in need. Let us continue moving forward with unwavering determination and compassion.
Q. How do you see the involvement of Estontec's young employees shaping the culture within the company, and what personal satisfaction do you derive from their participation in the CSR drive?
A. The active involvement of Estontec's young employees in our CSR drive plays a pivotal role in shaping the very fabric of our company culture. With over 60% of our workforce aged between 23-35, these dynamic individuals bring not only their professional skills but also an inherent sense of social responsibility. Witnessing their dedication to community service is not just professionally gratifying but personally fulfilling.
Our young team members, numbering approximately eighty, form dedicated groups engaging directly with local communities during the CSR drive. Their energy and passion inject a renewed sense of purpose into our initiatives. It's more than just an assignment for them; it's a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. This active participation fosters a culture of compassion and shared purpose within our team, aligning seamlessly with Estontec's core values.
Personally, I derive immense satisfaction from observing the transformative impact our young employees have on both the community and our corporate environment. Their enthusiasm infuses a contagious spirit of giving back, creating a workplace where social responsibility is not just a box to check but an integral part of our identity. As a leader, seeing the younger generation embrace the joy of making a positive impact reaffirms my belief in their potential as catalysts for lasting positive change. It's a source of pride and inspiration that goes beyond the confines of our CSR initiatives, permeating the very essence of Estontec's culture.
Q. As Estontec's CSR drive evolves, what personal aspirations do you harbor for the initiative, and how do you envision the long-term impact on both the company and the communities it serves?
A. As Estontec's CSR drive evolves, my aspirations center on fostering enduring, transformative impact for both the company and the communities we serve. Beyond immediate relief, I envision a sustained commitment ingrained in Estontec's identity—a continual force for good. Personally, I aspire to see our CSR drive shape the company's legacy as a beacon of positive change, prioritizing social impact alongside business metrics. Looking forward, I see a ripple effect, empowering communities and establishing a dedicated kitchen, symbolizing our commitment to providing daily meals to 1000-2000 people—a testament to our dedication to the well-being of those we serve.
Q. How does Estontec ensure that its CSR initiatives remain sustainable and continue to make a lasting impact on the communities served?
A. Ensuring the sustainability and lasting impact of Estontec's CSR initiatives is a priority embedded in our strategy. We employ a multifaceted approach to guarantee ongoing positive influence on the communities we serve. Firstly, our initiatives are designed with longevity in mind, addressing not only immediate needs but also contributing to the community's overall well-being. This includes establishing infrastructures such as the envisioned dedicated kitchen to ensure continuous support.
We prioritize feedback and adaptability. Regular assessments and community consultations enable us to evolve our initiatives based on the changing needs of the community. By staying attuned to their requirements, we ensure our CSR efforts remain relevant, effective, and capable of fostering lasting positive change.
Q. In a society often focused on individual pursuits, how do you navigate balancing personal success with the responsibility of leading a company that prioritizes community well-being?
A. Navigating the delicate balance between personal success and leading a company devoted to community well-being is a soulful journey. In a society often consumed by individual pursuits, my approach involves integrating personal aspirations with a broader commitment to shared responsibility. The core of this philosophy emanates from the belief that genuine success intertwines personal achievements with a collective responsibility for community welfare. It's not merely a corporate strategy for Estontec; it's a personal commitment to fostering a culture where the pursuit of success is enriched by the joy derived from making meaningful contributions to the community. Balancing these aspects is about more than leadership—it's a heartfelt endeavor to harmonize individual goals with a broader responsibility for the well-being of our community.
Q. Considering the importance of community collaboration, can you share a vision for how individuals and organizations can actively participate or collaborate in Estontec's future CSR endeavors?
A. Sustaining the impact of Estontec’s CSR initiatives is grounded in a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy. Our commitment to lasting change encompasses several key elements, notably exemplified by our ground-breaking community project, Kottanz. This initiative goes beyond addressing immediate needs, aiming to create sustainable change by supporting and empowering women in craftsmanship. Kottanz represents a paradigm shift by fostering skill development and economic empowerment among women, creating a platform that merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary market demands. In doing so, we not only preserve heritage but also establish a self-sufficient community. Similarly, we prioritize initiatives with enduring relevance, addressing not just immediate concerns but fostering long-term community well-being. For instance, our future plan to establish a dedicated kitchen reflects a commitment to sustained support. This multifaceted approach ensures that our CSR initiatives, including Kottanz, remain dynamic forces for lasting positive change.
Adaptability is another crucial aspect. Regular evaluations and community feedback sessions enable us to adjust our strategies based on evolving community needs. By remaining responsive and flexible, we ensure that Estontec's CSR initiatives not only endure but also continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the communities we serve.
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