Improving Life and Livelihoods

Though millions in Asia still live on less than $1 a day, steady economic growth in the region means that poverty can be vastly reduced in the coming years. CHF International is fostering this growth by providing targeted job creation opportunities, access to credit for entrepreneurial endeavors, and a host of other services to ensure that benefits reach the most vulnerable communities.

Afghanistan:

The Afghanistan Microfinance Institution is providing microcredit loans to rural and peri-urban clients—many of whom are women—who are engaged in small retail and home-based income-generating activities. Having transitioned from a CHF program into a locally registered independent institution, CHF and AMFI  have disbursed loans totaling
US$8.09 million to 17,168 low-income clients.

The Afghan Shelter and Settlements Initiative Supporting Transition (ASSIST) program is providing humanitarian assistance through an integrated package of shelter and settlements interventions to vulnerable populations, in particular returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), linking to their longer-term recovery.

India:

In the Indian cities of Pune, Bangalore and Nagpur, up to half of residents live in rapidly expanding slums, making it difficult to obtain basic amenities that can often be taken for granted – access to clean water, reliable shelter, and even trash removal. The SCALE-UP program is bringing together community organizations, NGOs, and local governments to improve the living conditions and future opportunities of slum residents.

Indonesia:

CHF International has been implementing tsunami response activities in Indonesia's Aceh Province since mid-January, 2005, following the tsunami that devastated the region. Since then, our programs have expanded to Java to assist with critical reconstruction efforts following the Jogyakarta Earthquake in May 2006.

Mongolia:

CHF International’s work in Mongolia is improving quality of life by supporting local entrepreneurship and facilitating employment opportunities for hundreds of community residents.

Philippines:

CHF is working with government bodies and other influential Filipino stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the more than 30,000 active cooperative businesses in the country.