Dorcas Egypt
Building resilient and flourishing communities
We see communities where people face economic and climate-related challenges. Our programmes therefore focus on Livelihoods and Food Security, Protection, and Economic Development. The result is flourishing communities where families thrive, children are protected, and vulnerable groups live with dignity and hope.
Context in Egypt
About Egypt
Egypt faces interconnected challenges that demand community-centred solutions. Much of the population lives in extreme poverty, particularly in rural areas and informal settlements. Women face cultural and structural barriers that prevent full participation in the labour market, and girls experience additional discrimination in education. Rural communities face critical climate challenges, including water scarcity, extreme heat and agricultural instability. Egypt also hosts large numbers of refugees from the surrounding region, placing additional pressure on already strained housing, healthcare and education.
Dorcas in Egypt
Dorcas has been active in Egypt since 1993, working through a unique alliance of four specialised locally registered entities: Life Vision, Tabitha, True Light Society, and Empower. We operate across five geographical focus areas: Minya, Beni Sweif, Asiout, and two informal settlements in Cairo. Rather than working as a single organisation, this alliance model allows us to leverage distinct expertise whilst maintaining a unified commitment to Dorcas values and methodologies. Our long-term presence and trusted local partnerships position us as a recognised development partner in Egypt.
What we do
Programmatic themes
Dorcas in Egypt works through three programmatic themes. All programmes integrate inclusion, protection, climate sensitivity and community ownership.
We support people in finding sustainable livelihoods, increasing resilience and contributing to community wellbeing, with particular attention to food security. Magda transformed her agricultural skills through training in sustainable farming, poultry and livestock care. Her harvests tripled, and she now manages multiple enterprises, inspiring her neighbours and securing her family's future. Across our programmes, 6,000 farmers have attended Farmer Field and Business Schools, improving their agricultural practices and income-generation skills.
We empower people to improve their job skills, start small businesses and connect to inclusive markets to secure income and reduce poverty. Shereen wanted to support her family but lacked sewing skills. We provided free training that unlocked her potential. Using her mother's old machine, she now runs a thriving home business and dreams of expanding alongside her daughter.
We protect people vulnerable to poverty, exclusion, crisis and violence through integrated measures, targeted prevention and advocacy for systemic change. Jomana's family struggled with poverty, forcing her into an orphanage. The Oases programme reunited her with her family, provided child development support and strengthened parental capacity through literacy groups and parenting sessions. Across our programmes, 2,000 people have benefited from child protection programmes.
We strengthen community capacity, resilience and social cohesion. Dorcas Albania's volunteer network connects through an online platform to support people in vulnerable situations and collaborate with local partners. Across our programmes, 200 active volunteers participate in at least two coordinated community actions each year.
How one community centre became a movement in Cairo
In one of Cairo’s most marginalised communities, commonly referred to as the ‘garbage collectors’ district’, families live under constant strain from poverty, addiction, violence and social exclusion. Women and children are particularly affected, facing unsafe living conditions, limited access to education and healthcare, and an increased risk of abuse and exploitation.
Since 2014, the Oasis Community Centre of Dorcas, operated by our implementing partner Live Vision, has played a vital role in delivering multifaceted support.
Fatma's story
How we work
Our impact in 2023-2025
People reached
- Dorcas via Life Vision for Development has reached 8,000 people.
Economic development
- 6,000 farmers attended Farmer Field and Business Schools.
Protection
- A total of 2,000 children benefited from the child protection programmes.
Local leadership and partnerships
Dorcas in Egypt works alongside government actors, civil society partners and the communities we serve. Our partnerships are built on trust, shared values and long-term commitment. Together, we create pathways from crisis to resilience.
We are able to operate in a complex environment thanks to our long-term partnership with Egyptian NGO, Life Vision for Development. Life Vision takes a grassroots approach to everything they do, serving the most marginalised (women, children and youth) by strengthening the capacity of local communities and helping every person live life with dignity.
Together we work to create a more equal society and bring about lasting change, all with respect to the changing situation on the ground.
- Shared values and mutual respect
- Complementary strengths
- Transparent communication
- Long-term commitment
- Local leadership
- Joint learning and adaptation
Partnership and investment opportunities
We seek partners who share our commitment to community resilience, local leadership and long-term impact. We welcome programme partnerships, institutional funding, research collaborations and private-sector engagement.
'Alfanar endorses Life Vision for Development for the outstanding quality of its women empowerment programmes in Minya, especially the Farmer Field and Business School.'
Meet our Country Director
Mona Wissa
Egypt stands at a critical juncture, facing interconnected challenges that demand innovative, community-centred solutions. The ongoing refugee crisis, economic volatility and persistent poverty particularly affect women, girls and marginalised communities in rural areas and informal settlements. That is precisely where Dorcas focuses its efforts. Through our unique alliance of four locally registered entities, we are building pathways from crisis to resilience. By doing this we create lasting change that honours human dignity and potential. I invite government, civil society, the private sector and funders to join us. Together, we can build flourishing communities where families thrive and vulnerable groups are empowered to live with dignity and hope.
Downloads
Download the Dorcas Egypt Strategic Plan 2026–2030: From crisis to resilience. This document outlines our vision and strategy for the coming years.
