Maria (78) lives in rural Tanzania and is solely responsible for caring for her seven-year-old granddaughter, Queenie. For years, they faced significant challenges, including limited access to food, adequate clothing and the resources needed to maintain their home. Since joining Dorcas’ Community Safety Net programme, Maria has gained access to support that has strengthened her wellbeing, resilience and ability to care for her granddaughter.

Maria lives in an area where the dry climate contributes to food insecurity. Her eleven children and seventeen grandchildren live across the region, but Queenie is the grandchild who lives with her. This responsibility placed additional pressure on Maria, particularly given her limited resources. When a Dorcas staff member visited her village and assessed her situation, Maria was included in the programme.

Through the community safety net programme, Maria receives support that addresses both her immediate needs and longer-term wellbeing. She received essential items, including blankets, food, clothing and a mattress. Volunteers regularly visit her to support her with household tasks such as cleaning and laundry. Equally important is the regular social contact and personal attention she receives, helping to reduce isolation and strengthen her connection with the community.

Protection through inclusion, support and empowerment

Maria’s story is one example of how Dorcas supports people facing vulnerability to strengthen their wellbeing, resilience and ability to participate in their communities. Across both humanitarian and development contexts, Dorcas’ protection work focuses on addressing risks such as neglect, exclusion, abuse and discrimination, while promoting dignity, access to support and social inclusion. In Tanzania, older people may face specific vulnerabilities linked to poverty, loneliness, stigmatisation and limited access to support.

‘Protection is about creating a safe environment in which people can live with dignity, free from neglect, exclusion, abuse and discrimination,’ says Sjoerd Vos, Thematic Expert Social Empowerment and Protection at Dorcas. ‘By bringing older people together in groups and providing access to psychosocial support, life skills, income-generating activities and social safety nets, these projects strengthen their self-confidence, resilience and social position. In this way, we contribute to their protection and wellbeing, enabling them to participate actively in their communities and look to the future with greater confidence.’

As part of the programme, Maria was invited to attend activities at a local older people’s centre. Here, she meets other older people, participates in traditional dances, creates jewellery, shares her work with others and discusses experiences from her life. These activities strengthen social connections and provide opportunities for participation and mutual support.

Maria also participated in an organised outing with the group. ‘We visited a safari park. For the first time in my life, I saw giraffes, elephants and zebras up close. It was a day I’ll never forget.’

Strengthening livelihoods and community resilience

The programme also supports Maria in developing skills to strengthen her economic resilience. She learned how to grow vegetables, care for chickens and goats, and sell crops, eggs and milk to generate an income.

‘We have more food and a greater variety to eat because of the milk, eggs and vegetables. I feel much healthier.’

The programme also involves younger generations. Queenie participates in activities with other children, where they learn how they can support and care for their grandparents. She has seen the positive changes in her grandmother.

‘My grandmother smiles again and has so much more energy.’

Maria reflects on the difference the programme has made in her life. ‘Life used to be very hard, but now I feel hopeful again. The programme has given me support, friendships and opportunities to learn. I feel supported by my community and better able to face the future.’

Through its community safety net programme, Dorcas supports older people facing vulnerability by strengthening access to social support, practical assistance, skills development and community networks. This integrated approach contributes to the protection, dignity and resilience of older people.

Due to climate change, rainfall in Tanzania has become increasingly erratic. Last year in Chemba, there were fewer rains compared to the previous farming season. Despite these challenges, farmers participating in the PIP approach are showing resilience by embracing drought tolerant maize cultivars, early maturing seeds, and the cultivation of cassava and sorghum, as these are drought tolerant crops. 

But we know: the right seed must go hand in hand with the right technology. 

That is why Dorcas Tanzania introduced ZAI Pit technology to project participants, a innovation from Northern Burkina Faso designed to address low rainfall conditions. This method involves digging small pits that conserve moisture, store nutrients, and bring water closer to plant roots. From this, Dorcas Tanzania developed the PIP draft, which applies the same principle but uses equal sized pits arranged in a zig zag pattern, giving plants a competitive advantage over weeds while boosting yield potential. 

When this technology was adopted in Burkina Faso, farmers reported yield increases of over 200 per cent. In Chemba, over 50 farmers from the villages of Kidoka and Rofati have already undergone training in this method thanks to Dorcas Tanzania’s pioneering efforts. Dorcas Tanzania was the first development practitioner to introduce this practice to the region.

How the ZAI pits work 

This is the step by step procedure that is shared with farmers: 

Step 1: Site clearance 
Remove weeds and unwanted plants. With minimal soil disturbance, the same pits can be reused year after year, a strong soil conservation measure. 

Step 2: Field layout 
Measure the field to ensure adequate spacing. In one acre, using a zig zag layout, farmers can prepare over 7,300 pits. 

Step 3: Site marking 
Mark the pits to ensure precision and enable easy division of labour. 

Step 4: ZAI Pit digging 
Dig pits 30 cm deep, spaced 80 cm apart, with 40 cm paths to allow easy weeding, monitoring and harvesting. Preparation is best done during the dry season so planting can begin with the first rains. 

Step 5: Mixing soil with manure 
Place at least four handfuls of manure into each pit, providing maximum nutrients for plant growth. 

Step 6: Seed planting 
Plant five maize seeds per pit, later thinning to four plants to reduce competition and ensure optimal yield. 

Beyond ensuring food security, this technology is a very practical climate change adaptation strategy that enhances resilience, improves livelihoods, and promotes sustainable environmental stewardship.

In rural Tanzania, the Participatory Integrated Planning (PIP) approach has supported families in transforming their farms into sustainable sources of food and income. For William, a pastor, his wife Elizabeth and their five children, the programme has brought about lasting change. They have changed their farming methods and improved their household’s financial security. They have also become a source of inspiration for other farmers in the community. Today, they are building a stronger future for their family and others.

William and Elizabeth live with their family in Chemba, Tanzania. They own a small plot of land where they grow vegetables and keep livestock. Despite their hard work, their production was barely enough to sustain the household and they often had to spend their limited resources on buying extra food.

Before joining the project, William farmed in the same way as many others in his community: growing a single crop, keeping a small number of animals and doing little long-term planning. The farm generated too little income to support the family adequately. William explains:

‘My wife was the first to participate in the PIP programme. She eventually persuaded me to join as well. The training provided by Dorcas enabled us to expand our livestock and purchase more goats. Overall, the improvements have been remarkable, and Dorcas played a key role in making that possible.’

The training introduced William and Elizabeth to a mixed farming approach. Rather than relying on a single vegetable crop, they learned the value of diversification and how different crops can strengthen both food security and income generation. They also learned how to work with improved goat breeds that produce more milk and meat, and how to make the most productive use of a small plot of land.

‘When we grew only one type of vegetable, it was never enough,’ William explains. ‘The training showed us the importance of diversification. We now grow a variety of crops and manage livestock more effectively. That has brought significant benefits to our family.’

The impact of PIP

The family now generates income through the sale of surplus vegetables. Elizabeth has seen a major change in the household’s finances and food security.

Elizabeth says: ‘I used to spend around 5,000 Tanzanian shillings every day on vegetables, and even then we often did not have enough,’ she says. ‘At the market, I had to buy whatever was available. Now I no longer need to spend money on vegetables, and I can choose what we will eat from our own farm.’

William adds:

‘We now have financial security. Vegetable sales can generate up to 10,000 Tanzanian shillings a day, while we no longer need to buy vegetables ourselves. Part of that income is used for irrigation, and the rest helps us pay school fees and cover essential household expenses.’

The impact extends beyond improved finances. According to Elizabeth, the project has also strengthened family relationships.

‘I have seen how the project has brought greater love and unity to our family,’ she says. ‘We share the work, we share the harvest, and that sense of togetherness means a great deal to me.’

William agrees.

‘Elizabeth inspired me to become involved. She shared what she was learning through the training and encouraged me to participate. Through that process, I realised that successful farming is something you do together. It has strengthened our family and helped us build a more secure future.’

Inspiring the community

Today, William and Elizabeth are passing on their knowledge to other farmers in the community. They regularly invite neighbours to their farm to demonstrate how a mixed farming approach works in practice. They also visit other farmers to support them in applying the new techniques and overcoming challenges. William and Elizabeth distribute seeds and share practical knowledge that others can use on their own farms.

As a result, their influence now reaches far beyond their own household. Across the community, more families are keeping chickens and goats, cultivating a wider variety of crops and applying the techniques introduced through the PIP training programme. The family greatly values the opportunity to support others in the community to develop their livelihoods.

Smallholder farmers in the Chemba region of Tanzania face significant challenges in sustaining their livelihoods. Prolonged drought due to climate change and degraded soils have reduced agricultural productivity, limiting food security and income opportunities. Many households rely on rain-fed agriculture, leaving them vulnerable to failed harvests. The Participatory Integrated Planning (PIP) project addresses these issues by strengthening the economic resilience of farming households. Combining planning, training and sustainable agricultural practices, the project is supporting 750 families to build more stable and diversified livelihoods.

A structured approach to economic development

At the core of the PIP approach lies a participatory planning process. Each household develops its own integrated plan for farming, income generation and wellbeing, covering areas such as crop production, livestock, soil restoration and financial planning.

The whole family is involved, which strengthens ownership and implementation. Dorcas then helps households to translate these plans into practical steps. Farmers also receive training in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship, covering topics such as soil improvement, water management, crop diversification and generating small-scale income. They learn to manage resources more effectively and prepare for periods of economic stress. A key element is the multiplier effect: trained farmers share their knowledge within their community.

Improved productivity and increased income

Farmers can increase their yields and restore soil fertility, resulting in more reliable food production and a surplus for the market. This directly increases household income, enabling families to invest in education, healthcare, and housing. Through savings groups, households can also strengthen their financial resilience and reduce their vulnerability to future shocks.

The story of Abdallah and his children

Abdallah Hassani, a farmer in Chemba, has experienced the impact first-hand. He lives with his children, Salah and Saoumou. In 2022, Abdallah joined agricultural projects and training programmes focused on improved farming techniques and planning.

After completing the training, he implemented new methods on his farm. His maize production increased in both 2023 and 2024, with approximately twenty additional bags produced compared to previous years.

This enabled him to sell part of his harvest, generate income and invest in building materials for his home, as well as starting a chicken farm. These improvements have significantly enhanced his living conditions.

In addition to the training, Abdallah received ongoing support in the form of regular visits, which provided him with advice and strengthened his confidence. He also gained access to medical support and awareness sessions, which contributed to his overall well-being.

The impact is also visible within his family. His children attend school, help with daily farm activities, and can pursue their ambitions. For Abdallah, increased productivity has translated into greater financial stability and improved prospects for the future.

Towards sustainable economic development

Through the PIP project, Dorcas invests in long-term economic development. By strengthening skills, improving productivity and enhancing livelihood opportunities, the project contributes to more resilient rural economies.

For the 750 participating families in Tanzania, this means improved livelihoods today and greater opportunities for the future.

In Chemba, these farming households move beyond subsistence towards greater self-reliance. Increased income, improved food security and stronger financial management establish the foundation for sustainable impact.

An interview with Lenard Hofland about Dorcas’s vocational training programme in Ethiopia.  

Youth unemployment in Ethiopia is high. Despite economic growth, many young people are unable to find work or establish a stable livelihood. Through its vocational training programmes, Dorcas aims to equip young people with technical and social skills. We spoke to Lenard Hofland, Programme Adviser at Dorcas, about this. 

‘The situation is concerning: many young people simply cannot find employment. We want them to be able to participate in the economy, find work, and flourish along with the development of the country. To improve their prospects, Dorcas offers vocational training programmes. As well as learning technical skills, young people develop social skills such as communicating with customers, working with colleagues, and cultivating a strong work ethic. Combined, those skills greatly increase their chances of finding employment.’

‘Dorcas has been involved in vocational education in Ethiopia for over twenty years. We have a strong track record: 89 per cent of our graduates have found employment. We understand the market well and have strong relationships with businesses. This experience enables us to respond precisely to the needs of young people and employers.  

We recently opened a new vocational training centre on a different location, because the training site we previously used was located on government-owned land which has since been repurposed.’ 

What does vocational training entail?  

‘We focus on traditional skills in textiles, metalwork and carpentry. In coming years, we plan to expand to include training for electricians and those in the hospitality sector. What makes our approach distinctive is that we offer short courses. Young people in vulnerable situations cannot afford to study for years – they need to be able to earn an income relatively quickly.

In addition, we align closely with market demand. To tackle youth unemployment, particularly in urban areas and especially among young women, we train young people in the exact skills that employers require. We maintain regular and structured dialogue with the sector to find out which products are in demand. Which technical skills are essential? We discuss this with companies that may later employ our students. 

Our vocational training has two major advantages: young people have a better chance of finding employment, and businesses gain well-trained employees. We combine technical training with the social skills required in the workplace. You will learn not only how to make a well-crafted chair, but also how to answer the telephone and assist customers professionally.  

Over time, the programme also recovers part of its own costs. Young people make products in the training classrooms that are then sold. This gives them practical work experience while contributing to the programme’s sustained viability.’

What has made the programme so successful? 

‘It is a combination of understanding the local context, our many years of experience in this sector in Addis Ababa, and our new focus on financial sustainability.’ The programme generates part of its own income, which makes it future-proof.  

Many young people travel to the capital every day in search of work, but there simply aren’t enough jobs for everyone. Some graduates find employment with companies, while others start their own businesses. That is why we also focus on the skills needed for self-employment.  

Entrepreneurship training is part of the vocational programme. We are exploring the possibility of offering this as a standalone course, by bundling the lessons into a compact, one-week training programme. The same trainers who teach on the vocational programme could deliver this short course, enabling us to support even more young people.’ 

Why did Dorcas choose to offer short training programmes?  

‘Vocational education does exist in Ethiopia, but it is often expensive and usually takes four years to complete. That is far too long for young people without an income. Our six-month programme equips participants with all the necessary skills. This allows us to reach more students and facilitate their transition into employment more quickly. We maintain close links with the workplace and focus primarily on the manufacturing sector, where there is strong demand for products.’ 

We are deeply concerned about the rise in violence, inequality and crises around the world. That is why we, a broad coalition of Dutch political parties and civil society organisations, are calling on the government to make a significant investment in development cooperation and to put an end to the unprecedented cuts. 

Budget cuts on development cooperation 

In the recently published coalition agreement, the government states its intention to invest more in development cooperation. This is an encouraging sign at a time of global unrest and instability. However, recent figures show that the promised investments are not being delivered. In fact, the budget for international development cooperation is set to fall in 2027, 2028 and 2030 compared to the previous government. This is happening at precisely the moment when global needs are rising. In April 2026, the OECD warned that global spending on development cooperation had fallen by almost a quarter in 2025. The Netherlands is contributing to this.  

Behind the unfulfilled commitments to development cooperation lie personal stories. Stories of people who are denied life-saving care and children who cannot go to school or who grow up in extreme poverty. As a prosperous country that has benefited for decades from open trade and international cooperation, we have a duty to reach out to these people. According to independent research, global spending cuts will lead to millions of additional deaths as a result of hunger, poverty and preventable diseases. 

Why development cooperation is in the Dutch national interest 

Development cooperation is not merely a matter of humanity: it also serves Dutch interests. It helps to build and strengthen economies, which in turn benefits Dutch trade and investment. It also contributes to security by tackling the root causes of poverty, forced migration and conflict. It is no coincidence that our national security strategy identifies development cooperation as an indispensable pillar of foreign policy.  

Keep your commitments 

It is therefore crucial to re-establish the link between the development budget and our national income, and to work towards the international commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on development cooperation. This link ensures that the development budget grows in line with the economy. In this way, we share our prosperity in good times and adjust our contribution in leaner times. For 2026, that would mean an additional investment of € 355 million in development cooperation. This is how we give concrete expression to international solidarity in a fair and sustainable manner.  

Furthermore, it is essential that additional investments, such as the planned € 257 million, are directed towards the priority areas highlighted by the government, such as youth, education, women’s rights, civil society, global health and food security. In this way, it will not be at the expense of other priorities within the BHOS budget, such as emergency assistance and efforts to intensify sustainable economic development. If the link to national income is not restored in accordance with the international OECD agreement, and the government continues to cut back on development cooperation, this will not only undermine the effectiveness of the Netherlands’ global efforts, but also our own security and economy.  

We therefore call on the government to honour the agreements made:  

1. Restore the link between the development budget and the national income, in line with the international OECD agreement.
2. Ensure that the promised € 257 million goes towards international development goals.   
3. Present a credible path towards the 0.7 per cent target for development cooperation. 

The Netherlands has the expertise, the resources and the responsibility to make a difference on the international stage. It is up to all of us to continue to fulfil that role with conviction. 

In the regions where Dorcas operates, many people are eager to find employment and earn a decent income, but face barriers that make this a significant challenge. Jobs are scarce, skills do not always align with labour market demand, and discrimination or insecurity can push people to the margins of economic life. For those living in vulnerable circumstances, finding stable and dignified employment often requires more than just motivation.

Dorcas’s Employment Approach helps people to overcome these barriers and take meaningful steps towards sustainable work. Employment is not seen as a quick fix, but as part of a wider pathway towards resilience, dignity, and long-term economic security.

Starting with people and context

Every employment journey begins with understanding. At Dorcas, we start by listening to people and learning about their skills, experience, aspirations, and challenges. At the same time, we analyse local labour markets to identify realistic job opportunities and growing sectors. This dual focus ensures that our employment support is grounded in reality. Instead of pushing people into unsuitable jobs or training, Dorcas empowers individuals to make informed choices that align with their ambitions and the opportunities available in the local economy.

A step by step pathway

Dorcas offers a structured and personalised route towards employment or self-employment through the Job and Business Centre approach. Participants can join the programme at various stages, depending on their circumstances.

The journey often begins with an orientation and motivation session, where people explore their options and build confidence. This is followed by life skills training to strengthen essential capabilities such as communication, teamwork and workplace readiness, skills that are just as important as technical expertise.

Participants then develop the vocational skills required by the labour market, often through practical, hands-on training. Wherever possible, this is combined with real work experience, such as internships or apprenticeships, enabling participants to gain confidence and showcase their abilities in a live work environment.

Linking people to real jobs

Dorcas’s work does not stop at training. A key element of the Employment Approach is actively connecting people with employers. Through mediation and job matching, Dorcas brings participants and businesses together, aligning expectations and supporting both parties as they transition into work.

The focus is on decent employment: jobs that offer fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for dignity. Employment should provide stability and the opportunity for growth, offering not just an income for today, but a foundation for the future.

Looking beyond the individual

We recognise that employment or self-employment outcomes are shaped by more than personal effort alone. That is why the Employment Approach is embedded in a broader effort to strengthen local systems. Dorcas works with employers, training institutions and local actors to make labour markets more inclusive and responsive, especially for women, youth and marginalised groups.

Employment as part of a bigger picture

Employment is most effective when combined with other forms of support. Psychosocial wellbeing, social networks and basic livelihood security all play a role in people’s ability to engage in work and sustain it over time.

By integrating employment or self-employment with wider livelihood, social and resilience programmes, Dorcas supports pathways that last. Step by step, people gain the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to build a dignified and more secure future for themselves and their families.

The Roma community, Europe’s largest ethnic minority, faces many deep-rooted challenges. Many Roma people experience exclusion, discrimination and isolation from the societies in which they live. Poverty and unemployment remain widespread, and opportunities for economic advancement are limited, particularly for women and young people. These vulnerable circumstances also put some at risk of human trafficking, which is a pressing issue in Romania.

For many Roma, discrimination starts in childhood. From the very beginning of their education, Roma children often face social exclusion and are treated as outsiders, setting a pattern that can affect them throughout their lives. This early marginalisation has lasting consequences, limiting opportunities later in life and making it harder for people to flourish socially and economically.

Vocational training for women 

In a project that concluded last year, Dorcas empowered Roma women by providing them with vocational training, including sewing workshops. This enabled Roma women to gain the practical skills needed to generate income and achieve greater economic independence.

Ioana is one of the women who took part in this. Before joining, she and her family struggled to make ends meet. The mother of three could only afford to send her son to school, not her two daughters. Ioana learned about Dorcas through her son’s school. Thanks to the project, her daughters were able to attend school, and Ioana enrolled in vocational training, learning to sew. She is now a skilled seamstress. Ioana shares:

‘I am really grateful for everything the Dorcas project has done for my family. My children are receiving an education I never had and have a better chance of finding a job. I hope that other Roma adults, especially women, will have the chance to acquire the vocational and social skills they need to find employment and live a decent life. And I long for the day when all Roma are no longer viewed as outsiders but are instead valued members of the local communities in which they live.’ 

Looking ahead

Our approach in Romania is designed to improve the long-term situation of the Roma community. Building on previous projects within the community, our current initiative began on 1 March and focuses on advocacy and fundraising, while promoting inclusion and combatting human trafficking.

Dorcas Ukraine has taken significant steps forward with its psychosocial support programme for internally displaced persons and others affected by the ongoing conflict in the Zakarpattia region. Around 6,800 people have participated in various programme activities, receiving support in the form of group meetings, individual consultations, training events and other assistance depending on their needs.

The Connect programme

A total of 1,216 participants completed the Dorcas Connect programme, which was designed to provide a space for people to reconnect with themselves and others. To ensure that the knowledge and tools acquired through the programme continue to be available to communities, providing sustainable support, training was also conducted for 1,107 Connect facilitators.

Psychosocial support through creativity and music

Sounds of Change training sessions were delivered to 60 facilitators and 23 trainers through the collaborative efforts of Dorcas, the ‘How Are You?’ mental health support programme, the NGO Sol Diez, and the Sounds of Change team of trainers.

These sessions equipped specialists to implement musical and creative approaches in psychosocial support, thereby enhancing the variety and accessibility of the available assistance.

Evidence-based psychological support (PM+)

In collaboration with WHO and the ‘How Are You?’ programme, Dorcas Ukraine continued to promote evidence-based assistance methods. In particular, it focused on the short-term psychological intervention “Problem Management Plus” (PM+).

Training was conducted for four groups, reaching 61 community representatives. The PM+ programme provides people experiencing high levels of distress and reduced functioning with access to quality psychological support at the community level.

This was made possible thanks to the collaboration of Dorcas Ukraine, the NGO ‘Nehemiah’, the ‘How Are You?’ programme, the Zakarpattia Oblast Centre for Social Services and the Zakarpattia Oblast State Administration.

To prevent specialists from facing challenging cases alone, the project team organised 54 hours of group supervision and 572 hours of one-to-one supervision. Supporting those who support others is an essential part of maintaining a high-quality support system.

Since the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, Lebanon has seen large-scale internal displacement. Entire villages have been evacuated, families have fled their homes, and children are sleeping on the streets. To respond to this urgent need, Dorcas is collaborating with EO Metterdaad.

EO Metterdaad is a long-running Dutch humanitarian television programme that highlights global crises and supports emergency assistance initiatives. Through this collaboration, Dorcas and EO Metterdaad aim to highlight the real stories behind the statistics and news items and raise funds to support those in need. So many people have had to flee their homes, losing their security in the process, and now rely on assistance.

Arjan Lock, CEO and presenter at the Evangelical Broadcasting (EO), is currently in Lebanon to document and share the stories of those affected. He is meeting displaced families and Dorcas humanitarian staff to witness and record the scale of the crisis for several television broadcasts in the Netherlands.

‘I see how urgent the need is,’ Arjan said. ‘So many people have fled violence while Lebanon itself is already under great strain. Dorcas staff are doing everything they can to support, providing food, blankets, clothing and temporary shelter. But the crisis is bigger than they can manage alone – more support is urgently needed.’

Dorcas’ response in Lebanon

Dorcas has been responding to the urgent needs of people in Lebanon since the beginning of the escalation and is now scaling up its humanitarian assistance. We have also launched an emergency campaign in the Netherlands to raise funds for our work in Lebanon. This allows us to provide life-saving assistance to displaced families.

Najla, Dorcas’ Country Director in Lebanon, explains:
People are terrified and shelters are overcrowded. Assistance cannot wait – people need our support now.

The Dutch TV broadcasts of EO Metterdaad

The situation in Lebanon will be featured in special broadcasts of EO Metterdaad on Saturday 21 and 28 March at 17:50 CET on Dutch channel NPO 2. The programmes follow Dorcas staff as they provide assistance to families who have lost everything.

The photos in this article are made by the EO