Addressing ECLOF managers at a commemoration in the Philippines of ECLOF's 60th anniversary, Prime Bishop Soliba, the president of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) and primate of the country's Episcopal Church, challenged ECLOF Philippines to think big and become a multi-million dollar credit organization. Bishop Soliba's words are also being seen as a challenge to other national ECLOFs and ECLOF International to increase their activities, and thereby increase their outreach to the poor. The bishop called upon all churches to follow the example of his own church, as well as that of the NCCP. Both have made loans to ECLOF Philippines because they believe the mission of the church is similar to the mission of ECLOF. Bishop Soliba also had some direct words for ECLOF's managers: "If you see no change in the lives of your clients, it is time for you to leave ECLOF and allow someone who can do the work to take over". This is a strong message from a friend of ECLOF, and it highlights the need for reflection and self-examination as we plan for the future.
Addressing the same meeting, ECLOF International chairperson, Rev. Prof. Christoph Stückelberger, paid tribute to the visionaries who founded ECLOF in 1946. He mentioned particularly the unique partnership between Swiss private bankers, led by Gustave Hentsch, and theologians, led by the first general secretary of the World Council of Churches, W.A. Visser 't Hooft, and Adolf Keller. Prof. Stückelberger stressed that responsible leadership and professionalism were key for ECLOF to realise its goals as set out in the 2005/09 strategic plan. He added that microfinance had now joined the mainstream with the entry of banks and private investors into the field. He believed ECLOF had to take note of these developments and adapt as necessary, while keeping to its mission.
In this issue of New Horizons, we include details of a managers' workshop at which reflection and discussion took place on our strategic plan and related issues.
We also have details of our work in Bolivia, where we recently financed the installation of solar panels in rural areas. This was possible because of the existing network we have in the region, as well as an established partnership with a government rural finance fund.
Details of how small and medium sized enterprises are supporting rural economies in Armenia are also featured, and there is a compelling interview with Cindy Cardenas, who is a young ECLOF Colombia credit officer. Cindy introduces readers to "nano credit", i.e. credit that is smaller than traditional microcredit. This story shows that ECLOF is about more than lending; we are also about people and how we identify ourselves with them and their struggles for positive changes in their lives. Of course, we have to do this in a sustainable way so that people can count on ECLOF to continue to provide services tomorrow and beyond.
