Albania
Empowering rural communities
Located on the Balkan peninsula amid rugged mountains, wild beaches and fortress towns, Albania is fast becoming every tourist’s hidden gem. Yet, the country’s long history of isolation and tight state control has often prevented its people from capitalising on their strongest assets.
As the country opens up, an ailing economy and organised crime continue to shape its story. Nearly one quarter of the population lives in extreme poverty. The massive depopulation of remote rural communities has left an ageing population cut off from the outside world, facing environmental risks and limited opportunities.
Population: 2.8 million · Poverty rate: 23% · Our reach in 2024: 2,602 people
Overview
Dorcas has been active in Albania since 1992, creating sustainable livelihoods and social protection systems for vulnerable older people, youth and marginalised groups. Our programmes draw on the power of partnerships at local level, with community-based organisations, the private sector, educational institutions and government to ensure lasting impact.
The work of Dorcas Albania is based on two Programme Concepts: Social Empowerment and Protection (SEP) and Inclusive Entrepreneurship. Dorcas Albania is also focusing on climate change and environmental protection projects.
Community Safety Nets
We set up networks and day centres where local actors commit to looking after older people. This care package includes practical support such as food and access to medical services, as well as outreach work with families and local authorities, all designed to help older generations participate in society again.
Our Adopt a Granny programme, also active in Albania, extends this care to the international community.
Inclusive Entrepreneurship
We provide entrepreneurship training and professional learning opportunities to encourage people to develop a career in the agricultural sector. These programmes involve people of all ages, particularly young adults, in setting up their own sustainable agro-tourism or farming business based on ‘value added’ production principles.
Participants are also introduced to the concept of social farming.
Child Protection and Education
More than 120,000 children live in extreme poverty in Albania, many of them Roma. We seek to break this cycle by providing pathways to work and inclusive learning opportunities for all.
Our activities support children to work together, reject stereotypes and deal with complicated feelings, ultimately protecting each other from the biggest threats they face. In parallel, we work with parents to promote their empowerment, inclusion and self-sufficiency.
Flourishing Families
The Flourish approach supports households to halt impoverishment and build sustainable pathways out of multidimensional poverty. The core building blocks and philosophy of Flourish can be applied along the humanitarian-development nexus.
The Dorcas Flourish approach uses eight building blocks that can be applied in a structured, step-by-step way. The building blocks are based on social protection and community-based safety nets. The application of the building blocks is expected to lead to sustainable living conditions or well-being.
In the Korca district and northern Albania, Dorcas runs an integrated Social Empowerment, Protection and Integrated Development programme. This programme combines three approaches: Adopt a Granny, Flourishing Families, and Future for Children. Using the ABCD approach, the programme targets marginalised older people, youth, families and children in vulnerable situations.
From Seeds to Success: Edmira’s Inspiring Journey
Edmira (51) lives with her husband and three children in the village of Valbona, Tropoja, Albania. A few years ago, she participated in a project by Dorcas Albania, receiving support in the form of potato seeds. This initial assistance marked the beginning of a transformative journey for her family.
As time passed, Edmira generated a good income from her agricultural efforts. Her husband, a tourist guide, led hikers through the scenic mountains. Recognising the potential of tourism, Edmira and her family decided to convert their home into a guesthouse.
Our Projects
Inclusive Communities Tropojë
Tropojë is a municipality in northern Albania, close to the border with Kosovo. Dorcas rolled out an initiative to directly respond to lack of employment and environmental degradation, capitalising on the rich potential of the region and its inhabitants.
SMILES Programme
The SMILES programme provides an integrated approach to improve the wellbeing of poor and vulnerable people in Tropoja and Puke. The programme combines Social Empowerment and Protection (SEP) and Inclusive Entrepreneurship (IE).
Meet our Country Director
Xheni Prenda - Country Director Albania
‘As Country Director of Dorcas Albania, I am dedicated to fostering a brighter future for our society through innovative programmes and community-driven initiatives. With a deep commitment to social justice and sustainable development, my goal is to empower individuals and communities to reach their full potential.’
Our partners
Dorcas works together with local partners and international organisations in Albania.
- Emanuel Mission Foundation (Korçë)
- Integration Association Tropoja (Bajram Curri)
- Kom Over En Help
- New Day Impact
- Municipality of Korçë
- Municipality of Maliq
- Municipality of Tropojë
- Dutch Embassy
- MARA Foundation
- Swiss Contact
Contact Dorcas Albania
Address
Rr. "TELI SAMSURI", Nd. 18, 7001, Korçë, Albania
Phone
+355 (0) 82 242115
Email
office@albania.dorcas.org
Social media
Facebook
Downloads
Download our publications about Dorcas Albania.