Growing, contributing and staying connected: Ecaterina’s story
Ecaterina has been part of a Dorcas programme in Moldova since 2018. She lives with her husband, one of her daughters and her granddaughter. Her daughter moved in with them after her husband passed away, while her other daughter lives with her own family.
Ecaterina manages household expenses on a pension, which is not always easy. Her husband continued to work occasionally after retirement, while Ecaterina worked as a cleaner at the church.
Starting something of their own
In 2018, Ecaterina became involved in a Dorcas income-generating activity (IGA) project.
‘We decided to start this small activity so that we could grow vegetables and herbs for our family, and sometimes sell some of what we produce,’ Ecaterina explains.
The project has become part of Ecaterina’s everyday life, alongside other activities she takes part in. She also receives food and hygiene products through the project.
‘I have felt a lot of support through this project. I take part in different activities, and I have wonderful opportunities to be useful to others. The greenhouse provides products for our family and gives us an opportunity to stay involved.’
The experience encouraged Ecaterina and her family to take the next step themselves.
‘We liked this activity so much that afterwards we decided to buy another greenhouse with the money we had saved,’ she says.
More than material support
For Ecaterina, the project is also a place where people come together. She has seen changes in how participants relate to one another.
‘People who are part of this project feel more encouraged, safer and socialise more.’
Looking ahead, Ecaterina hopes to stay healthy and continue caring for her family and their garden.
‘I pray that God will give us health, so that we can continue to work and take care of ourselves, our family and our garden.’
Ecaterina’s experience is one example of Dorcas’ wider work with older people. Through Community Safety Nets, Dorcas works with older people and their communities to strengthen social connections, improve access to support and create opportunities for older people to remain active and participate in community life.
As part of Dorcas’ 2026 International Day of Older Persons campaign, ‘Seen and valued – rights and dignity of older people’, we are highlighting the rights, dignity and contributions of older people and the value they bring to their communities.
