Keen to pass on the values he learned as a self-made builder, Elias founded and developed the National Commission for Self-Help in 1987. As Chairman until 1996, Elias worked to support a wide range of development projects through training and partnership with communities throughout the country.
All this still represents only a fraction of his significant contributions to the arts, education and sport, developing proper procurement legislation and as a leading advocate for regional transparency. Through scholarship, grants, mentorship programmes and leadership Emile Elias represents a lifetime of generosity that seeks the truth and supports what he sees as vital for an evolving young country.