South Sudan
Delivering vital relief and livelihoods
South Sudan is the world's youngest nation, having gained independence in 2011. Home to more than 60 ethnic groups, the country holds immense cultural richness and natural potential. Yet decades of conflict, displacement and underdevelopment have left millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Dorcas has been present in South Sudan since 2006, working alongside local communities to build resilience and restore hope. Our programmes focus on sustainable livelihoods, food security, nutrition and clean water, always with a commitment to reaching the most vulnerable people in the hardest to reach areas.
Population: 11.3 million · Poverty rate: 67.3% · Our reach in 2024: 192,299 people
Overview
In South Sudan, Dorcas supports people living in the most vulnerable circumstances. We focus on creating sustainable livelihoods, strengthening food security and improving access to clean water and nutritional support. Our work reaches communities in some of the country's hardest to reach regions, including Western Bahr el Ghazal and Northern Bahr el Ghazal.
Through long term partnerships with local organisations, we help families build the skills and resources they need to provide for themselves. From farming training to vocational education, our programmes are designed to create lasting change rather than short term relief.
ZOA Dorcas Consortium
In 2022, Dorcas and ZOA established the ZOA Dorcas Consortium in South Sudan. By combining our complementary expertise, geographical coverage and deep local networks, we are able to deliver more effective and efficient humanitarian and development programmes across the country.
The consortium allows both organisations to leverage their strengths. Dorcas brings extensive experience in livelihoods, food security and nutrition, while ZOA contributes expertise in education, shelter and water infrastructure. Together, we serve communities across multiple states with integrated programming that addresses interconnected needs.
Entrepreneurship
Dorcas supports aspiring entrepreneurs in South Sudan through vocational training, start up grants and ongoing business development coaching. Our programmes equip young people and women with demand driven skills that match the needs of local markets, enabling them to generate a stable income for their families.
Participants receive training in trades such as tailoring, carpentry, welding and food processing. After completing their training, they are supported with small grants and mentorship to launch their own businesses. This approach fosters economic independence and contributes to the broader recovery of local economies.
Food Security and Livelihoods
Food insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges in South Sudan. Dorcas trains smallholder farmers in climate smart agriculture, helping them adopt innovative farming systems that increase yields and build resilience against droughts, floods and other climate shocks.
Our approach includes distributing improved seeds and tools, establishing demonstration farms and facilitating farmer field schools where communities learn from each other. We also support the development of savings groups and market linkages, so that families can not only grow enough food but also sell their surplus and improve their livelihoods over the long term.
Nutritional Support
More than one million children in South Sudan are malnourished, making nutrition a critical focus of our work. Dorcas provides nutritional support for new and expecting mothers, ensuring that both mothers and their children receive the care they need during the most vulnerable stages of life.
Our nutrition programmes include screening and treatment of acute malnutrition, education on infant and young child feeding practices, and the distribution of supplementary food. By working through local health facilities and community health workers, we reach families in remote areas who would otherwise have no access to these vital services.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Waterborne diseases are a leading cause of illness and death in South Sudan, particularly among children. Dorcas installs and rehabilitates clean water pumps, constructs climate resistant water infrastructure and trains communities in the maintenance of their water points to ensure long term sustainability.
Beyond water supply, we promote improved sanitation and hygiene practices through community led total sanitation programmes. These efforts reduce the spread of disease, improve overall health and free up time, especially for women and girls who traditionally bear the burden of water collection.
PRIDE: Empowered Women
Through the PRIDE programme, Dorcas joins forces with other organisations to empower women in South Sudan, including women and girls with disabilities. PRIDE focuses on strengthening women's economic participation, leadership and access to essential services, so that they can take an active role in shaping their communities.
The programme addresses barriers that prevent women from fully participating in economic and social life. Activities include skills training, savings groups, awareness campaigns on gender based violence and advocacy for inclusive policies. By working with local partners and community leaders, PRIDE creates an environment where women's voices are heard and their contributions valued.
Dorcas in South Sudan
Our partners
Dorcas works together with local partners and international organisations in South Sudan.
- Mary Help Association (MHA)
- Women Development Group (WDG)
- Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Dutch Relief Alliance
- Edukans
- European Union
- IOM
- Light for the World
- Red een Kind (Help a Child)
- Save the Children
- UNICEF
Contact Dorcas South Sudan
Wau Office
Sikka Haddid, Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal, South Sudan
Juba Liaison Office
Scandic Premises, Plot #21(A), Hai Matar, Juba
Phone
- Wau: +211 (0)91 69 95 143
- Wau: +211 (0)92 64 99 991
- Juba: +211 (0)92 987 9822
- Juba: +211 (0)91 764 2820