Eastern Europe Region
Dorcas is active in four countries in Eastern Europe: Albania, Ukraine, Romania and Moldova.
In this region, our work is designed to strengthen remote communities and increase livelihood opportunities.
This includes three focus-areas:
- Economic development
- Protection
- Community Safety Nets for older people
The inclusion of minority groups - such as Roma - in society is an ongoing priority.
SMILES programme
This programme provides an integrated approach to improve the wellbeing of people in vulnerable circumstances in Tropoja and Puke, Albania.
Supporting families
Many families in Ukraine are forced to flee the ongoing conflict. Dorcas runs a 'Future for Children' programme to support families like Lilia's to rebuild their lives.
Blue Bucket
A food collection collection innitiative offered to marginalised people, such as older persons and families living in difficult circumstances.
Project participants who receive support through our relief programmes.
The number of older people we reach through our safety nets approach.
The children who are part of our community and protection approach.
Romania
The stark contrast between thriving cities and rural poverty characterise the situation in Romania.
Across the country, we support the development of social enterprises that foster the inclusion of marginalised groups, including Roma communities, older people, and children at risk of exclusion.
Our annual Blue Bucket Campaign - a national food donation initiative supported by hundreds of volunteers – provided 2,200 buckets of essential food supplies to 4,500 people in 2023. We are also actively working to prevent human trafficking by building a robust network of support organisations and advocating for stronger legal protections for vulnerable individuals.
Albania
Almost a quarter of Albanians live in poverty, according to national poverty lines.
In Albania, Dorcas works to support communities in vulnerable circumstances through two core programme areas: Social Empowerment and Protection (SEP) and Livelihoods and Economic Development. Our goal is to break the cycle of poverty and exclusion by strengthening social protection systems and expanding economic opportunities for the most at-risk populations.
We build strategic partnerships with community-based organisations, the private sector, educational institutions, and government bodies. These collaborations ensure our programmes are sustainable, locally owned, and focused on long-term impact and community resilience.
Ukraine
Since 2022, the escalating conflict in Ukraine has had a profound impact on the Ukrainian people and on our operations in the region. The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has increased dramatically, leaving many individuals and families in vulnerable circumstances.
Dorcas supports people affected by the conflict through a range of programmes, including Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), the Future for Children programme, and livelihood skills training. These initiatives help individuals regain stability, improve resilience, and rebuild their lives in the face of ongoing challenges.
Closer to the frontline, we provide essential humanitarian assistance, including the restoration of homes damaged by shelling and access to critical support services.
Moldova
Almost half the population of Moldova have left the country. Young people move out of rural communities and parents, in search of work, leave children in the care of relatives.
In Moldova, Dorcas focuses strongly on addressing the needs of older people through community safety nets and by providing essential practical support.
We also support children in vulnerable circumstances through our Aflatoun life skills courses, which promote social and financial education.
In addition, we offer entrepreneurial skills training that empowers individuals to start small businesses, generate income, and step out of poverty by earning a sustainable livelihood.