- Category Group:
- Video Categories
- Category:
- Award for Innovation in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Videos
- Organization Name:
- Esas Sosyal, Istanbul, Turkey
- Organization Description:
Founded in 2015 by the founders of ESAS, Esas Sosyal manages social investments with the vision of Promoting Equal Opportunities in Youth Employment. A pioneer in the field of youth employment, it creates long-term social impact by empowering young people from second-tier universities an often overlooked group in recruitment process across Türkiye during the transition from education to employment
Founded in 2000, ESAS is an Investment and Wealth Management group driven by a strong philanthropic vision. Esas Sosyal was established in 2015 with a focus on youth employment. With its mission, "Esas Sosyal Provides Equal Opportunity," the organization is Türkiye's pioneering initiative dedicated to advocating for equal access to employment opportunities and empowering them by strengthening their confidence through its unique programs and ecosystem. These programs are designed for young people who have graduated from or are currently studying at second-tier state universities and who face discrimination in the employment process based on their universities.
As Esas Sosyal marks its 10th anniversary in 2025, the milestone highlights the lasting impact of its work in youth employment. It also brings a new responsibility to the organization: to show how social impact, when managed professionally as a business unit and supported by long-term commitment, grows deeper and leads to meaningful, systematic and sustainable change. Created in this spirit, the "10 Years, 10 Stories" video reflects the transformation Esas Sosyal has sparked in last 10 years, told through the voices of those who experienced it. It brings together 10 program alumni, mentors, corporate supporters, and NGO partners from different cities and sectors whose lives have been shaped by Esas Sosyal's programs, many of whom now carry this impact forward by mentoring new participants, serving on alumni committees, or contributing as advisory council members. By featuring all key stakeholders-corporate supporters providing financial resources, NGOs employing participants, alumni, and the young participants-the video demonstrates how Esas Sosyal's holistic approach is delivered through a strong ecosystem, transforming not only the lives and perspectives of beneficiaries but also those of participating institutions, and fostering a shared sense of growth, solidarity, and collective responsibility.
The video moves away from traditional storytelling to offer a more engaging experience. Rather than relying on statistics or voice-over, it centers on lived experiences and personal testimonies, allowing the story to unfold through authentic perspectives. Through these narratives, the video highlights the transformative impact of Esas Sosyal on stakeholders, shaped by themes such as ambassadorship, role modeling, pride, and a strong sense of community. While each story is unique, together they deliver a powerful message: through an ecosystem-based approach and impactful programs, equal opportunities in youth employment can be created and mindsets can be transformed.
Another innovative aspect is its redefinition of social impact communication from "telling" to "bearing witness". The video creates a direct connection with the audience. Bringing together 10 distinct stories within a single video, it demonstrates that social impact is not short-term, but rather long-term, multi-stakeholder, and sustainable.
"10 Years, 10 Stories" is more than an anniversary film; it stands as a compelling testament to the power of youth employment and long-term social investment. Through its real-story-driven structure, the film enables audiences to experience Esas Sosyal's 10-year journey firsthand. While individual voices are heard, the focus remains on the collective impact of the program showcasing not isolated success stories, but the shared and sustainable transformation made possible by Esas Sosyal.
Entry Sources & Additional Supporting Information
To enable a comprehensive review of Esas Sosyal's work and the social impact it has created, we have provided the following materials: Esas Sosyal's official website; the Social Return on Investment (SROI) reports for the First Chance and English Chance programs; English magazine articles; and a video presenting the programs and their impact in Esas Sosyal's 10th year.