About ESSET
The Ecumenical Service for Socio-Economic Transformation (ESSET) is an independent ecumenical organisation based in Johannesburg and working for social and economic justice. Working for socio-economic justice is understood as working for the transformation of socio-economic process, systems and structures so that the quality of life of the poor is enhanced in a sustainable manner.
ESSET is an advocacy agency that works through:
- Accompanying struggles for social and economic justice within communities of the marginalized;
- Mobilizing the churches, church organisations and other partner organisations to be involved with these struggles; and
- Strengthening capacity within communities and churches to enhance and lead advocacy for social and economic justice
ROLE:
ESSET understands its role as:
- Facilitating processes to help the church and society work for socio-economic transformation.
- Capacitating leaders in the church and society to impact on policymaking and practice in the public and private sector.
- Linking the church and society with resources and information on socio-economic issues.
- Coordinating church based socio-economic justice campaigns with other stakeholders.
- Advocating for alternative policies and practices in the church and society in the interests of the poor.
- Creating spaces for the voices and experiences of the poor to inform policy formulation and implementation.
Objectives Statement
The development goal of ESSET‘s advocacy work is aimed at attaining a “transformed society promoting a just economic system that prioritizes the needs of the poor”.
Organisational purpose
To advocate for social and economic justice through supporting the struggles of communities of the marginalized
Values
ESSET values and promotes:
- The integrity, equality, wholeness and fullness of life,
- God’s preferential option for the poor, and
- Responsible stewardship for all creation