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Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) form an integral part of Dorcas’ work. One of the countries in which this assistance is currently particularly vital is Ukraine. Due to the ongoing conflict, many people are experiencing prolonged stress, uncertainty and disruption to their daily lives. Dorcas and its partners have recently adopted an approach that involves using music as a tool for psychosocial support.

MHPSS is essential in areas affected by crisis and conflict because such situations can have a long-lasting impact on people’s emotional well-being, relationships, and ability to adapt. MHPSS provides safe and supportive spaces where people can express themselves, rebuild trust and regain a sense of stability.

Dorcas Ukraine recently supported a training initiative in collaboration with the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Support Programme ‘How Are You?‘, the NGO ‘Sol Diez‘ and the organisation ‘Sounds of Change‘. Designed for education representatives, the training focused on using music as a tool for psychosocial support. Over the course of several days, participants were introduced to accessible methods such as rhythm, clapping, using boomwhackers and collaborative song-writing. These practices offer non-verbal ways to foster emotional connection, reduce tension and promote resilience. The training provided educators with techniques that they can implement immediately in their work to promote emotional well-being within crisis-affected communities. 

Oksana’s experience: putting the training into practice

Oksana, a psychologist at the Centre for Resilience, participated in the training programme. She describes, ‘I have been interested in music for a long time. I feel that it touches deep levels of the psyche. I wanted to learn how to use sound and rhythm in working with emotions, especially when working with children.’ 

During the three-day training, she explored simple yet powerful techniques. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, ‘What impressed me most was how simple exercises with sound bring people together, reduce tension and evoke genuine joy. This was especially evident when we created rhythm together and each voice merged with the others. It was amazing – harmony without words.’ 

Upon returning to her work, Oksana immediately applied these practices with children from a family-type children’s home. The results were clear: emotional relief, increased contact and smiles. She plans to incorporate these music-based methods into her work with children, teenagers and adults.

Like Oksana, all the educators who received the training are now ready to use these music-based methods in their own settings. This is a significant step towards expanding accessible psychosocial support in communities affected by the conflict.

At Dorcas, we believe in creating lasting change by enabling communities to become self-sufficient. One of the key ways we achieve this is by developing social enterprises: businesses that exist to generate income and achieve a clear social mission. Designed to address pressing societal challenges, these enterprises operate on sound business principles. They create jobs, provide training opportunities, and reinvest profits in community development. For Dorcas, social enterprises are a pathway to dignity, inclusion and long-term resilience. 

Social enterprises aim to solve social problems through entrepreneurial strategies, balancing economic sustainability with social impact. These businesses generate income through selling goods or services, and they often qualify for government subsidies, which enables them to sustain their operations and expand their impact. 

The Fairytale Oven

Cuptorul de basm (The Fairytale Oven) in Trușești, Romania, is more than just a bakery. It is a prime example of a social enterprise that fosters inclusive employment, strengthens communities and promotes sustainable impact in rural areas. By providing training in bread production, marketing and basic business skills, it supports participants to build confidence and gain valuable professional experience. Dorcas Romania has played a pivotal role in supporting this enterprise by providing financial investment, expertise in social economy development and capacity building for the local association. 

Understanding social farming

Another example of a social enterprise is Dorcas’s work in social farming. Social farming involves using agricultural resources, such as plants and animals, to provide health, social and educational services to groups in vulnerable circumstances. These groups include individuals with mental or physical health needs, those facing social exclusion, long-term unemployment or addiction recovery. Unlike clinical settings, social farms offer a natural, non-institutional environment where people can engage in meaningful work, build self-esteem and improve their well-being. 

Activities on social farms can include animal care, vegetable cultivation, fence maintenance and food production. Often run by family farmers in partnership with care providers, these farms offer flexible, community-based alternatives to institutional care. Financing comes from a combination of product sales, government subsidies and payments from care organisations for services provided. 

Dorcas’ strategic approach 

Dorcas implemented social enterprises in Romania, Moldova and Albania. These initiatives support people in vulnerable circumstances and provide farmers and the bakery with additional income streams and a sense of purpose. The benefits extend beyond the individual to the wider community, fostering inclusion, reducing stigma and strengthening local economies. Our broader vision is to transition from providing assistance to promoting sustainable, locally driven initiatives. This involves supporting our partners and community organisations so they can become self-sufficient. By adopting social enterprise models, these organisations can generate their own income and, in some cases, qualify for government funding. 

In essence, social enterprises are not just projects; they are movements. They represent a shift in how we think about development, moving from dependency to dignity and from giving to growing. 

Reading time: 4 minutes

Although we can catch glimpses of global events through the media, many crises remain underrepresented. The complex situation in Yemen is a case in point, despite the urgent need for greater support. Yemen is grappling with a deeply challenging and complex situation that calls for our attention. 

Current situation

The current situation in Yemen is calm yet tense, with the shockwaves of developments in the Middle East reverberating throughout the country. Aden and neighbouring governorates in the south and east are experiencing economic and logistical instability, widespread power cuts and the spread of viral diseases. 

Protests have been ongoing for over a month as citizens express their frustration over the collapse of the currency, the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities and the high cost of living. The situation is further compounded by deteriorating health and education services and delays in salary payments.  

A major development this year has significantly impacted the operational environment. The US Government ordered all humanitarian and development actors receiving US funding to halt operations in Northern Yemen. As a result, some organisations had to withdraw from their target areas. 

Alarming food insecurity

Yemen is also facing alarmingly high levels of food insecurity, with some populations now at risk of famine (IPC Phase 5) for the first time since 2022. Currently, 17.1 million people, nearly half of the country’s population, experience high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above). Projections suggest that this figure could increase to 18.1 million people between September 2025 and October 2026, highlighting the severity of the humanitarian crisis and the necessity of ongoing intervention. 

The delayed rainy season has led to dry conditions persisting across Yemen, heightening the risk of drought and exacerbating water scarcity. These climatic challenges are placing an additional burden on communities that are already struggling. 

Dorcas in Yemen 

Dorcas Yemen is dedicated to supporting displaced people, host communities, women and children. Additionally, we focus on people with disabilities and socially marginalised groups. We implement programmes in various sectors, including health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), food security and livelihoods and protection. 

One of our key strengths is our ability to build networks and encourage acceptance within local communities. This involves collaborating with local partners and volunteers to reach marginalised people who are the most difficult to access. Despite the challenging situation and growing needs, Dorcas remains deeply committed to supporting those in need. 

José Salema, Dorcas Yemen’s Country Director, says: ‘From experience, I know that the Yemeni people are very resilient. Despite the current obstacles, we will continue to push forward and support our project participants as we work together to build a better future in Yemen.’

He continues, ‘For now, our key priorities lie in responding to humanitarian needs in close collaboration with established clusters and local institutions. Together, we are reinforcing efforts to mitigate food insecurity and optimise water harvesting and usage. Additionally, we are focusing on improving project participants’ livelihoods and their access to markets.’

Call for action

A month ago, 116 humanitarian organisations, including Dorcas, called for immediate action to prevent Yemen’s descent into further crisis. In light of this collective call for action, it is crucial for humanitarian organisations to align their strategic priorities, including scaling up development assistance and advocating for flexible, timely and predictable funding. 

From September 2024 to April 2025, Dorcas Ukraine led the ‘Restoring Hope’ project, which aimed to improve employment opportunities for those affected by the conflict in the Zaporizhzhia and Zakarpattia regions.

Following completion, we assessed the initiative’s impact and found that 99 per cent of participants deemed their involvement as relevant. Of the participants, 65 per cent started or expanded their businesses, while 21 per cent developed existing enterprises further. Additionally, 64 per cent of households reported an increase in income. Particular attention was given to supporting women raising children alone, mothers with multiple children, internally displaced persons living in collective centres, and families caring for older relatives or people with disabilities.

Skills training and support

Each project participant acquired professional skills and received a toolkit to facilitate their work. In rural areas, the project introduced greenhouse gardening initiatives to diversify livelihoods and enhance food security. To foster resilience and sustainable growth, Dorcas supported participants in developing business plans, finding employment opportunities and accessing government assistance. We also established support groups in collaboration with a psychologist and career coach.

The most popular fields of study among participants were beauty therapy, IT and accounting. The majority of participants (81 per cent) were internally displaced persons from the Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. The appeal of these professions lay in the possibility of utilising skills regardless of location, flexible working hours, and opportunities for both self-employment from home and employment within salons or companies.

Impact and progress

Many participants recounted how they had secured employment in salons or launched home-based sewing services, thereby earning their first independent income. Additionally, course graduates confirmed that these professions were practical and in demand within the local labour market. Providing tools was essential support for entering the beauty industry, where start-up costs can be prohibitive. Participants emphasised that receiving this equipment promptly allowed them to overcome significant financial obstacles.

The Restoring Hope project has equipped residents of Zakarpattia and Zaporizhzhia with the practical skills and resources needed to secure long-term employment or set up small businesses. Networking opportunities during the courses enabled participants to find support, like-minded individuals and partners for their ventures. Through vocational training and ongoing support, those affected by the conflict have been able to integrate into economic sectors, achieving financial independence and adapting to a markedly different environment to that in which they previously lived.

Participants on the project are moving beyond survival towards genuine growth thanks to new skills and support. They are establishing sustainable livelihoods and strengthening their communities. Their progress is a testament to their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

The deepening climate crisis is reshaping the way people in many parts of the world live, grow food and manage natural resources. Food systems are becoming more exposed and susceptible to climate shocks. Land degradation and deforestation are accelerating biodiversity loss and reducing agricultural productivity. Meanwhile, water insecurity, droughts and floods continue to threaten sustainable livelihoods. 

At Dorcas, supporting communities to adapt to these changing conditions is a key priority. Our efforts focus on three pillars, which are interconnected and form the foundation of our climate adaptation strategy: food, water and land.  

In this article we elaborate on these three key areas and how we work to support communities to become more resilient in the face of climate shocks. 

Climate-resilient food systems 

Our approach begins by addressing the urgent challenge of transforming food production to withstand climate stress. Food systems worldwide are facing immense pressure, and smallholder farmers are particularly at risk as they often lack control over essential resources like seeds, supply chains, and markets.   

To tackle these challenges, Dorcas focuses on building farming systems that are both climate-resilient and regenerative. We emphasise practices that restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and utilise nature-based pest control methods. Farmers receive hands-on training to implement techniques that regenerate soil and improve productivity.   

In addition, Dorcas equips farmers with relevant tools, such as access to real-time weather and market data, drought-resistant crops, and precision irrigation systems.  

We are also committed to strengthening agricultural value chains to create inclusive and sustainable food systems. By connecting smallholder farmers to local and regional markets, improving supply chains, and promoting better food processing and storage methods, we reduce waste and post-harvest losses while ensuring long-term agricultural resilience. 

PIP in Tanzania

One example of our work to support climate-resilient food systems is the PIP project in Chemba, Tanzania. As part of this initiative, two demonstration farms have been set up in the village and a mini dam has been renovated and enlarged to improve rainwater harvesting.

These farms serve as practical learning centres where smallholder farmers can adopt climate-smart practices, such as agroforestry, growing drought-tolerant crops, regenerating soil and using integrated livestock systems. These methods help to mitigate the effects of climate change, including erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells and soil degradation.

The improved mini-dam increases the community’s capacity to store rainwater, ensuring a more reliable supply for irrigation and livestock during dry periods. ‘At first, we struggled with severe droughts that led to famine,’ says a 75-year-old local farmer. ‘But now, with the availability of this dam, we can continue farming even during the dry season, ensuring sustainable food security all year round.’

Sustainable water systems 

Resilient food systems depend on dependable water access, making water security a critical focus. Increasing water shortages, driven by climate change and poor water management, threaten farming and communities, while frequent flooding damages farmland and infrastructure. 

At Dorcas, we are committed to ensure sustainable water use for agriculture and communities. We promote efficient techniques such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater replenishment, and soil water retention through methods like contour farming and terracing, supported by stronger water management structures. 

We also work to mitigate flooding by enhancing: 

Supporting bees with a water pan in Kenya 

One example of Dorcas’s work to support sustainable water use is in Ngiluni village, Kenya, where we are working through our local partner, the Makindu Rural Development Programme (MRDP). Farmers from the Ngiluni Farmer Field School have received training in hive management and were equipped with 100 modern hives, 1,130 bee-friendly plants, and a water pan. ‘Before the interventions, our hives used to have low colonisation rates and hive abandonment was the norm of the day,’ explains 37-year-old Makau Mutua, a local farmer. The water pan now provides bees with easy access to water, reducing the need to travel long distances and improving colonisation rates. As a result, a bee multiplication centre has been established, and farmers are now planning to start a commercial tree nursery and practise agroforestry to make full use of the rainwater collected. 

Regenerative land management 

Healthy land is essential for maintaining sustainable food and water systems. Our third focus area is dedicated to restoring and safeguarding landscapes to ensure long-term resilience. Deforestation exacerbates soil erosion and biodiversity loss, while land degradation undermines food production and ecosystem stability. 

At Dorcas, we are addressing these challenges through tree-based solutions for climate resilience, which include: 

To bolster soil health, we support environmentally friendly methods such as composting and biochar, advocate agroforestry to revitalise soil nutrients, and promote regenerative grazing to prevent land overuse. 

Planting trees in the desert with the Waterboxx in Iraq  

One example of our work to support regenerative land managment is the Waterboxx initiative in Iraq. Developed by Groasis, this innovative device fosters tree growth with minimal water by collecting rainwater and dew, which is released gradually to preserve soil moisture. This approach is vital for land restoration and food security. Farmer Amin, who cultivates figs, olives, and grapes, reported a 90 per cent reduction in water usage thanks to the Waterboxx, enabling him to recover after years of drought: ‘This is exactly what I needed,’ he remarked. 

Flourishing communities 

With these efforts, we are committed to supporting communities to become resilient in the face of climate change:  

Kenya is severely affected by climate change, experiencing challenges such as prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and floods. These environmental stresses caused by global warming have led to land degradation and deforestation, further exacerbating the country’s vulnerability. To combat this, the Kenyan government has set a target to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience. In addition to improving air quality, trees help prevent flooding, support biodiversity, and strengthen ecosystems, while also playing a key role in regenerative agriculture and sustainable land management practices by restoring soil health and preventing further degradation.

In line with these efforts, Dorcas Kenya launched the Kitui climate change project in 2021 to combat climate change while engaging children and supporting both their education and future resilience. This was done under the slogan ‘A child, a tree’, where each child is assigned a tree to plant, care for and maintain. The project has successfully planted 55,000 seedlings and distributed 100,000 seed balls of indigenous, bee-friendly trees. Survival rates measured one year after planting were over 65 per cent for the tree seedlings and 50 per cent for the seed balls. Building on these efforts, Dorcas Kenya launched the Marsabit climate change project in 2024, which aims to plant 8,400 tree seedlings in schools by 2027.  

Why is the involvement of children and schools in solutions to climate change such a valuable practice? This article explores how engaging children not only empowers them to take ownership of their future, but also builds wider community resilience, and highlights why the education system is such a fruitful setting for these initiatives.   

The role of education in climate action  

Schools are an ideal setting for climate action projects as they provide a structured environment where children can learn and actively participate in initiatives such as tree planting. Dorcas works with schools that are motivated to get involved, have at least one hectare of land and an active environmental club. Through these school environmental clubs, children gain knowledge and skills about the impact of climate change awareness, particularly how it affects their future livelihoods, the country’s economy and biodiversity. This encourages a deep understanding of the importance of environmental conservation and climate action. Including climate education in schools not only equips students with the information they need to address climate challenges but also builds a sense of responsibility and ownership. In this way, education creates a generation that is more informed, engaged and ready to lead the way to climate resilience.   

The power of children in the creation of a sustainable future  

Children are powerful agents of change, and Dorcas’ projects have shown how quickly they can adapt to new practices and behaviours, especially when given the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities. Through involvement in tree planting and environmental clubs, children develop a strong sense of ownership.  

Daniella Maroma, Thematic Expert on Climate Adaptation and Resilience at Dorcas, describes: ‘During my visit to the schools in Kenya, I witnessed something truly remarkable. The children proudly showcased their trees, their faces lighting up as they pointed out how tall they had grown. Each tree was a living testament to their care, dedication and belief in a brighter future. These children are not just caring for trees, they are actively shaping a more resilient and sustainable world. Their actions are a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins with simple, determined steps.’ 

Children who grow trees to maturity are further encouraged through individual and school awards, which motivate them to continue their efforts. One of the schools Dorcas has worked with, Athi Primary School, is a good example of how highly motivated children can be. It now has at least 300 surviving trees, and the children carry water from their homes to keep the trees from drying out. This commitment often inspires their peers to get involved, creating a ripple effect in their schools and communities. Tree planting not only improves the environment in various ways but also secures a sustainable future for children by promoting biodiversity and supporting long-term climate resilience in their communities. 

Dorcas hopes to inspire young children to take a leading role in environmental conservation and in tackling the effects of climate change, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.   

The provision of emergency cash assistance is a critical aspect of child protection, particularly in times of conflict and displacement. Through the work of Dorcas Ukraine and its sub-partner, Nevo, a dedicated field team provides timely and essential child protection services to children in need in the Zaporizhzhia region.

These children face challenges beyond the immediate threat of conflict. Many experience displacement, separation from family and friends, and the psychosocial impact of abandonment. Non-payment of child support following divorce also remains a common problem.  In addition, many grandmothers or mothers are raising children alone because their husbands are away in military service. Children with disabilities in vulnerable situations are also a key priority for cash assistance, since mothers often lack jobs and steady income due to caregiving responsibilities. 

To address these needs, case managers provide tailor-made cash assistance. The level of cash support is determined by the child protection cluster and may vary according to individual circumstances. This support is used to meet basic needs such as winter clothing, school supplies and materials to promote psychosocial well-being. 

Thanks to funding from the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF), 99 children living near conflict zones have already received this vital support. By meeting their immediate needs, this emergency cash assistance provides not only practical support, but also hope and stability for children and their families at a difficult time. 

Extra-curricular activities are an important way for children to discover their talents, build confidence, socialise and develop positive habits. Recognising the importance of these opportunities, Dorcas Ukraine’s Future for Children programme works with its partner NGO ‘New Beginning’ to provide sports, educational and psychosocial activities for children in Transcarpathia. Each week, up to 80 children take part in these activities, 80 per cent of whom are from the Roma community.  

During the warmer months, the children enjoy nature outings where they plant trees, bushes and flowers with volunteers, benefiting both the environment and their sense of community. Art therapy has proved to be a popular activity for participants, providing a creative outlet for self-expression. The programme also includes psychosocial workshops led by specialists focusing on feelings and emotions, visits to local museums, school preparation support and engaging activities such as photography challenges. More than just fun, these after-school initiatives provide children with essential skills, emotional resilience and a supportive community. 

By investing in this programme, Dorcas Ukraine is supporting a brighter future for children in very vulnerable circumstances, empowering them to flourish. 

In conflict-affected regions, it is vital to ensure the well-being and safety of communities in vulnerable situations. The Dorcas Ukraine team, in partnership with organisations such as the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, is providing vital support to the Zaporizhzhia region, offering not only material assistance but also hope for a safer future. Efforts are focused on restoring stability in the face of ongoing threats, particularly from shelling and bombing, and ensuring that local communities can maintain their homes and sense of security.

A key element of this work is the repair of damaged homes, which is particularly critical as winter approaches. Replacing windows and doors in 37 homes was an important step in preparing for the colder months. As well as protection against the harsh winter conditions, these repairs are a source of physical and psychological reassurance for the residents. Many of the people supported are older or have a disability and are unable to leave their homes due to health issues, lack of family support or fear of the unknown.

In addition to physical repairs, Dorcas places particular emphasis on ensuring that people in need have access to essential resources. Repairs, psychological support and non-food parcels are life-saving during periods of increased shelling when local infrastructure is damaged.

Through these initiatives, we are not only rebuilding homes, but also fostering the belief that despite the challenges they face, the people of Zaporizhzhia can persevere and overcome adversity. A warm, safe home is not only a refuge, but also a symbol of support and resilience in these difficult times.

In times of conflict, ensuring access to quality psychosocial support is essential to maintaining people’s well-being. In the regions affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, significant efforts are being made to provide therapeutic and educational opportunities for children and adults. Art therapy has become an important part of this support, promoting mental health and building community resilience.

Dorcas is working with the organisation ‘Nevo’ to create child-friendly spaces in communities across the Zaporizhzhia region. As part of a comprehensive multi-sectoral support project, clay therapy groups have been set up to provide support. This form of art therapy encourages self-expression, has a calming effect and reduces stress. Participants develop their ability to concentrate, improve their fine motor skills and stimulate their imagination and creativity. The sessions have a wide range of participants, with the youngest member of the group being just five years old. Parents also appreciate this type of support, as many children don’t have many opportunities to develop and interact with their peers because they have to study online due to the conflict.

The clay therapy sessions are complemented by interactive sessions led by legal experts, who remind children and young people of their fundamental rights in an engaging and playful way. In addition, Nevo specialists use these sessions to educate participants about the importance of preventing and addressing domestic and gender-based violence.

Thanks to funding from the Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund (UHF), these activities are currently held in six locations in the communities of Pavlivska, Vilnyanska and Kushugumska. This initiative is an important step in the provision of psychosocial support and in building the resilience of the affected communities during these difficult times.