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.

In Iraq, the challenges posed by climate change are enormous, with temperatures rising seven times faster than the global average. Over the next decade, Iraq is expected to experience significant increases in flooding, drought and desertification. These conditions severely affect livelihoods, undermining household economic resilience and contributing to increased poverty.  

To address these challenges, it is essential to implement climate-smart agricultural approaches that enhance climate resilience and strengthen communities. The Waterboxx is a technology that can contribute to this effort. 

The Waterboxx technology  

The Waterboxx is an innovative device developed by Groasis to tackle water scarcity and promote sustainable agriculture in arid areas. It is a cylinder-shaped container that collects and stores rainwater for plants and trees. Its design incorporates features that make it particularly useful in difficult climates such as Iraq.

The Waterboxx works by collecting rainwater and dew through its top, which directs the moisture into a central reservoir. The stored water is then slowly released into the ground through a drip system. This provides a steady supply of water for plants and creates a better environment for seeds to grow in.  

The need for sustainable water management in Iraq is urgent and this technology can contribute to addressing these challenges in a number of ways:

Supporting marginalised households

Dorcas Iraq is working in Sinjar, Iraq, to support people who are particularly at risk to the effects of climate change. This includes female-headed households, households with people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, and older people without support.   

Dorcas Iraq is training nearly 2,500 people in climate-smart agricultural practices and livelihood diversification strategies. Dorcas also provided 50 people with the Waterboxx, tree seedlings and the necessary training to use and maintain the technology. Next year, Dorcas Iraq plans to distribute around 8000 more Waterboxes. This project has already yielded significant positive results, and Dorcas will continue to build on these efforts. One of the project participants who can attest to these positive outcomes is Amin.   

Amin is a farmer who has been tending to the fig, olive and grape trees on his ancestral land for a long time. Recently, he began to notice alarming climate changes that threatened his livelihood. Unpredictable rainfall was causing flooding, while extreme summer heat and prolonged drought were threatening his crops. Concerned about the future of the farm, Amin looked for ways to adapt to these new environmental challenges.  

Amin came into contact with Dorcas and was introduced to the Waterboxx technology. This was exactly what Amin needed to make his farm sustainable, and after installing the Waterboxes he saw significant improvements in water conservation. He was able to grow crops even in drought conditions. The technology’s ability to collect rainwater and condensation makes it a vital tool for farmers in Sinjar, allowing them to adapt to extreme weather patterns. 

Amin’s farm became a model of success and he actively participated in community programmes, sharing his knowledge of sustainable agriculture. His efforts not only ensured the survival of his crops, but also inspired others by demonstrating the impact of innovative technologies. 

Kitui County, one of Kenya’s semi-arid regions, is facing severe challenges from climate change. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, floods, and invasive species are taking a heavy toll on the region’s ecosystems and livelihoods. With agriculture and natural resources under increasing strain, many residents have turned to activities such as tree logging and charcoal burning, further exacerbating land degradation and deforestation. These unsustainable practices have created a vicious cycle of environmental decline, making it critical to take action. 

In response, Dorcas Kenya, in collaboration with Muangeni Rural Development Programme, launched the Kitui Climate Change Project in 2020. This initiative aims to enhance the climate resilience of communities through comprehensive interventions, such as behavior change, policy advocacy, and ecosystem restoration. The project aligns with global sustainability goals, including SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 1 (no poverty), and SDG 2 (zero hunger), promoting sustainable development practices to safeguard the future. 

Afforestation efforts through schools 

A key element of the Kitui Climate Change Project is afforestation, carried out through schools in the region. Since 2021, over 150 schools in Kitui South have participated in the tree-planting initiative, which is designed to address water scarcity challenges while fostering environmental stewardship among students. Tree planting is strategically aligned with the short rain season (October, November, December) when the climate is more stable, ensuring the newly planted trees benefit from two rainy seasons and thus have higher survival rates. 

Under the slogan “A Child, A Tree,” each student is encouraged to adopt and care for a tree for a full year. This approach not only fosters environmental responsibility among the younger generation but also ensures that the trees are well-maintained. Each school receives 100 seedlings annually and, upon successfully nurturing them, qualifies for additional seedlings in subsequent years.  

Notable success and impact 

To date, the project has seen the survival of approximately 36,000 out of 55,000 trees planted between 2021 and 2022, representing a survival rate of 65-70 per cent. Schools like Athi Primary now boast over 300 thriving trees, thanks to the commitment of students, who even carry water from home to ensure their survival during dry spells. Additionally, Dorcas has invested in infrastructure like a 50,000m³ water pan at Kiange Mixed Secondary School to provide a reliable water source during droughts. 

This afforestation initiative not only contributes to Kenya’s national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 but also plays a crucial role in restoring degraded landscapes, reducing biodiversity loss, and promoting decarbonisation. By involving school children, Dorcas is inspiring the next generation of conservationists, ensuring that the fight against climate change continues for years to come. 

Through such innovative projects, Dorcas Kenya continues to foster sustainable development and climate adaptation in regions that are vulnerable, empowering communities to build a more resilient and environmentally conscious future. 

Dorcas supports older people through our Community Safety Net (CSN) approach. This involves mobilising different actors and organisations so that everyone is involved. Only by working together can we provide the right support to ensure older people can live with dignity and flourish. In our CSN report, we found that involving churches as natural allies is one of the best practices in this approach. 

One such partner is the Ethiopian Guenet Church (EGC) in Bishoftu. Dorcas Ethiopia runs a project in Bishoftu that supports around 150 older people, with the EGC playing a key role. The majority of participants in the project are women over the age of 60, representing up to 75 per cent. Most of them are widows. After losing their husbands, Ethiopian women often face considerable challenges, as many have no formal education and were financially dependent on their spouses. They are left to manage on their own, often with a small pension and little or no other income. 

Dorcas and the EGC support these project participants in a number of ways. They receive practical assistance such as food, clothing, blankets and medical check-ups. Bedridden older people receive regular visits and support in their homes. Their clothes are washed and household chores are done. This is done by volunteers from the EGC, but young people are also involved to encourage contact between the generations. 

As well as practical support, the project offers a range of activities for older people. There are weekly coffee ceremonies and holidays are celebrated together. On special occasions such as Christmas and Easter, the older people receive something extra: a chicken, eggs and flour to make injera (a traditional dish).  

Dorcas and the EGC also encourage the community to care for their older people and organise training sessions to empower older people to advocate for themselves.  

We also invest in partnerships, including with the government, to support older people in securing safe, private housing, to advocate for their rights and to raise awareness on special occasions such as the international day of older persons.   

In Kajiado South, Kenya, the Ilaramatak Esukuta Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), a women’s savings group comprising 38 women, is a symbol of hope and resilience. This group is one of 30 VSLAs supported by Dorcas Kenya through the Loitoktok Future for Children project in partnership with Shokut Naretoi community programme organisation. The project uses the Dorcas Future for Children approach, which focuses on life skills for children and parents, household strengthening, community child protection and advocacy for improved government child protection policies.

The project reaches 235 households, identified through a community-led participatory process and grouped by geographical location to facilitate training and follow-up. These households have been through six consecutive failed rainy seasons from October 2020 to December 2023, resulting in devastating drought conditions across the Horn of Africa. The impact has been severe, leading to livestock losses, food insecurity and reduced access to education and healthcare for many families.

An integrated approach to empowerment

The process began with training in positive parenting, where parents learned essential skills such as communicating clearly and becoming role models for their children. Households were also trained in entrepreneurship, smart agriculture, financial literacy and child rights and protection. These small groups eventually evolved into VSLAs, with the Ilaramatak Esukuta VSLA being the first to be trained and officially formed on 24 March 2021.

Initially consisting of 38 women, 15% of whom were subsistence farmers, petty traders or casual labourers, and 60% of whom were housewives or unemployed, the group faced significant economic challenges. However, their determination and the training they received paid off. From May 2021 to May 2022, the group saved a substantial amount, issued numerous loans, and made a considerable profit. In their second cycle, the group saved a larger amount and made an even greater profit from loans.

The financial success of the group has been transformational. Members have gained confidence in managing their finances and many have opened personal bank accounts, further increasing their financial independence.

Impact beyond finance

The Ilaramatak Esukuta VSLA has promoted social growth and economic empowerment among its members. Business growth within the group has had a positive ripple effect, with their children attending school more regularly, leading to better learning outcomes. The group’s culture of savings and financial management has also deepened, with members consistently saving a notable amount per week.

Together, the group invested in a 100-seat tent and 100 plastic chairs, which they rent out for social events. This income-generating activity (IGA) has provided additional financial support for members. Individually, members have started or expanded their businesses, attributing their success to the skills they learned through VSLA training. For example, Somoina expanded her charcoal business and now saves a significant amount per week. Through backyard gardening and selling excess vegetables to the community, Katito Elizabeth has improved her family’s nutrition and income.

Mary, the group’s chairperson, describes how VSLA’s leadership training transformed her from a shy person to a confident leader: ‘Before joining the VSLA, I was a very shy person, someone who avoided speaking in public or taking on leadership roles. But through the leadership training, I started to build my self-esteem and believe in my abilities. It was a gradual process, but eventually I found myself taking on the role of chairperson for our group. At 57 years old, I never imagined I would be a leader, let alone one who could speak confidently and resolve conflicts within a group. This experience has opened my eyes to my potential and I now believe that I can aspire to any position within the group or in the wider community. The transformation has been incredible and has given me a sense of purpose and confidence that I never had before.’

As the Ilaramatak Esukuta VSLA enters its third cycle, all of the original members remain active. The group now plans to support members without IGAs to set up their own, and they are looking to buy another tent to increase their income.

Ilaramatak Esukuta’s story of resilience, empowerment and hope is a reflection of Dorcas’ Future for Children’s profound impact in transforming lives and communities.

Human trafficking is one of the most pressing social issues in Romania, one of the top five EU countries in terms of victims. Dorcas Romania is tackling this pressing issue through a comprehensive project focusing on key areas: awareness raising and prevention, building and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, handling direct cases and reducing the vulnerability of young people at risk.

Trafficking in persons in Romania 

Romania’s geographical location and socio-economic challenges make it a prime location for human trafficking. The main destinations for Romanian victims of trafficking include Italy, France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. Exploitation takes place in various sectors, including prostitution, agriculture, construction and domestic work. Children make up more than a third of identified trafficked persons in Romania. The recruitment of children for trafficking has increased through the internet and social media.

Traffickers in Romania are largely Romanian nationals operating as part of organised crime groups. Their exploitation of Romanian women and children is mainly in the form of sex trafficking within Romania and to other European countries. Traffickers often lure victims with the promise of a better life abroad by using the ‘lover boy’ strategy, in which they feign romantic interest.

Several factors contribute to the extent of human trafficking in Romania:

Dorcas Romania’s anti-trafficking programme 

Working in the at-risk regions of Vaslui, Botoșani, and Bihor, Dorcas Romania has developed a multi-faceted programme with a focus on: 

Elena’s* journey 

Elena’s story illustrates the impact of Dorcas Romania’s efforts. Growing up in a financially unstable and abusive household, Elena’s life was full of challenges. When she was 18, her parents’ separation led her to Oradea, where she was forced into prostitution. Despite her attempts to escape, financial pressure and abusive relationships trapped her in a cycle of exploitation.

Elena’s turning point came when she reached out to her mother for help and eventually connected with Dorcas Romania through the intervention of a counsellor named Cristina. This connection provided Elena with the emotional and practical support she needed to rebuild her life. 

With the support of the project, Elena secured a job and received support for her recovery. Reflecting on her journey, Elena says, ‘After 28 years, I can finally say that my life has meaning now. I am truly happy and content, surrounded by the love and prayers of my family and co-workers.’ 

For those in need 

Dorcas Romania’s anti-trafficking project is an example of a holistic and multi-faceted approach to a deeply entrenched problem. By addressing the root causes of vulnerability and providing comprehensive support to victims, the project not only rescues individuals but also empowers communities. As Elena’s story shows, with the right support and opportunities, the road to recovery is possible.

The scale of the challenges posed by human trafficking in Romania is considerable and requires all stakeholders and partners to play their part. Together with local, regional and national stakeholders, Dorcas Romania is committed to this issue and will continue to fight human trafficking to support those in need.

*Not her real name. At the participants request, we have used a pseudonym for this contribution. 

The SMILES programme provides an integrated approach to improve the well-being of people in vulnerable circumstances in Tropoja and Puke, Albania.   

The programme is based on two Dorcas concepts, namely Social Empowerment and Protection (SEP) and Inclusive Entrepreneurship (IE). As such, the social and economic development components of the SMILES programme complement and reinforce each other.  

Tropoja and Puka share similar social and economic conditions, representing an impoverished rural and mountainous area where small-scale farming, livestock rearing and petty trade are among the main livelihood activities. Isolation, lack of government support and limited individual and organisational capacity, among other factors, have maintained a system characterised by semi-subsistence livelihoods based on traditional production methods and low revenues. 

SMILES brings together a variety of actors who will not only benefit from, but also promote and contribute to the development of the local economy and tourism sector in the region, while ensuring that this is a process that is carried and led by the local community itself.  

The intervention deliberately makes links with local people and their various livelihoods so that the whole area benefits, not just a privileged few. The whole process will be supported at the society level by involving actors such as local authorities, MFIs, tourism agencies and specific training institutions. In addition, security networks will be developed for the most marginalised people who struggle to provide for themselves.  

Through SEP, the intervention aims to create the basis for increased cooperation and strong community structures (formal and informal groups and associations) that can play a sustainable role in the local development process. In this respect, the Asset-Based Community Development approach will be instrumental in empowering individuals and groups to identify and make use of existing assets in their communities. As part of the SEP component, Community Safety Nets will be established to take care of the most marginalised people in the community.   

In the SMILES programme, social and economic empowerment go hand in hand, with the Inclusive Entrepreneurship (IE) approach ensuring that participants can take advantage of the various economic opportunities in the target area. This includes capacity building in areas such as business and marketing skills, employability skills, agriculture and livestock skills, but also activities that lead to an enabling environment for entrepreneurship (e.g. improved access to capital, improved infrastructure and simplification of rules and regulations).   

The main target groups of the programme are: 

Small and medium-sized farmers  

Small- and medium-sized farmers want to develop their farms but lack capacity in a number of areas, including business development and management, modern production technologies and marketing skills. They also have limited access to finance to invest in their farms. The intervention will address farmers (including women) through training and mentoring, building on previous experience of the TICP programme. A revolving fund will be established as part of the programme to improve their access to investment capital.   

Small guesthouse owners  

The programme will provide relevant training to guesthouse owners and staff, including business development and management, customer relations, promotion, marketing and gastronomy. It will also offer financial support to develop and expand their businesses.   

Income generation potential  

There are a significant number of families living in poverty who are willing to improve their situation by engaging in income-generating activities. They do not have the material and financial resources, as well as the capacity to carry out income generating activities. The intervention will support urban and rural households to engage in income generating activities. Opportunities to serve the tourism market will be explored, such as the production and marketing of handmade souvenirs.  

Youth and children  

Through the Future for Children approach, youth and children belonging to the above-mentioned households living in poverty will participate in general life skills activities (Aflatoun), parenting and employability programmes. 

Marginalised households   

They have no potential for income generation and are dependent on others for support. Government economic support, which amounts to only about 8,000 ALL, and other social services are not sufficient to meet their needs. Through the establishment of CSNs, the intervention will address the basic needs of approximately 130 families (about 500 family members) by supporting them with material assistance through CSNs, health care/home visits, medicines and hygiene materials.  

Older people   

There is an increasing number of lonely older people, especially from remote rural areas, who have vital needs in terms of access to basic services, especially health services. They do not have the means to cope with this situation on their own. The intervention will facilitate socialisation and access to health and other services through the development of community safety nets (including volunteers and cooperation with the municipality).   

Specialist medical visits will also be facilitated for emergencies. The safety nets will be maintained with the involvement of the municipality, other public institutions, businesses and individuals. The intervention will work towards the institutionalisation of the safety nets through the creation of the Social Impact Committee with representatives of key actors. It will also carry out the “Blue Bucket” campaigns to raise awareness and active participation of the community. 

Last week, the UNCR published it’s annual Global Trends Report highlighting the trends in forced displacement over the past year. By the end of 2023, approximately 117.3 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, with numbers rising to over 120 million in early 2024. The amount of people who are forcibly displaced has been increasing for twelve consecutive years. From the end of 2022 to the end of 2023, there was an 8 per cent increase, equating to 8.8 million people.

South Sudan

2023 was a year of turmoil, with large-scale conflicts and natural disasters. One of the major conflicts in last year, that led to 6 million people internally displaced and 1.2 million fleeding to neigbouring countries, was the conflict in Sudan. The outbreak of violence forced many to leave their homes. According to the UNHCR, South Sudan now hosts around 330,000 refugees, the majority of whom are from Sudan.

ZOA-Dorcas South Sudan supports people fleeing the violence in Sudan through nitiatives such as the SAFER project. Among them are returnees who previously fled violence in South Sudan during the war and are now fleeing back from Sudan. By providing cash, seeds and tools, the project aims to strengthen them and the host communities. The circumstances these refugees returned to is also still dire, and this project supports them them in rebuilding their lives.

Syria and Lebanon

Almost 60 per cent of all forcibly displaced people are internally displaced, meaning they do not cross a border but remain within their country. Syria has the second-largest number of internally displaced people worldwide: 7.2 million.

2023 was a year of yet another crisis in Syria. After more than a decade of war, the crisis in the country was exacerbated when it was was struck by a major earthquake and extreme aftershocks. Although the international community’s attention briefly focused on Syria after the earthquake, it has since faded into the background.

Dorcas works both in Syria and in Lebanon. Lebanon, one of the neighbouring countries hosting many Syrian refugees, is also in crisis, causing tensions between the Lebanese population and Syrian refugees. Dorcas supports these groups by organising group conversations and training sessions that bring together Syrian refugees and the Lebanese host population to resolve tensions. These sessions focus on intergenerational activities and celebrations that break down barriers, promote tolerance and reject stereotypes, all aimed at reducing conflicts and fostering mutual support systems.

In Syria, we support people in need through various programmes. When the earthquake struck, Dorcas Syria staff immediately began providing humanitarian assistance. You can read more about our work in Syria after the earthquake here:

One year after the earthquake in Syria: How did Dorcas support those in need?

Climate change

Climate change is also negatively affecting the safety of forced displaced people and may increasingly affect the number of displaced people. According to the UNHCR Global Trends Report, nearly 75 per cent of all forcibly displaced people lived in countries with high-to-extreme exposure to climate-related hazards at the end of 2023.

As extreme weather events become more frequent, we expect the number of people displaced by climate-induced events to increase. Therefore, taking both mitigating and adaptive measures to combat climate change and increase climate resilience is a key priority for Dorcas in the coming years. We see the climate refugees and we will not leave them behind.

Read the latest Global Trends Report of the UNHCR here