Dorcas Syria
Communities rebuilding with safety, dignity and renewed hope
We see communities affected by conflict, displacement and economic collapse. Our programmes therefore focus on Crisis Response, Protection, Livelihoods and Food Security, and Community Development. Through community centres and locally led partnerships, we help communities transition from crisis to recovery.
Context in Syria
About Syria
Syria faces one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. Over 80 per cent of Syrians struggle to meet basic needs due to inflation, unemployment and destroyed infrastructure. More than 6.8 million people remain internally displaced and over 16 million require humanitarian assistance. Women, girls, minorities, ex-detainees and displaced people face acute protection risks and urgent mental health needs. Water shortages, soil degradation and damaged infrastructure further threaten food security and livelihoods.
Dorcas in Syria
Dorcas has been active in Syria since 2011. We operate community centres in Aleppo, Rural Damascus, Deir E Zor and Homs (through a partner), and respond to emerging needs in Tartous and As-Suwayda. Our approach is community-driven and locally rooted. We work closely with Syrian civil society, local authorities and international partners. Our long-term presence and trusted relationships enable us to deliver impact in highly complex environments.
By 2030, we envision a Syria where:
What we do
Programmatic themes
Dorcas Syria works through four programmatic themes. All programmes integrate gender equality, inclusion, climate sensitivity and community ownership.
We respond to acute and protracted crises through lifesaving assistance and recovery support. During sectarian violence in Sweida in July 2025, Dorcas delivered food parcels to families like Amina's, ensuring safety and dignity. 144,114 people received Crisis Response support in 2025.
We protect people vulnerable to poverty, exclusion, crisis and violence. Through specialised case management and counselling at Dorcas community centres, individuals like Samer rebuilt trust and restored family relationships after years of conflict. 15,982 people were reached through Protection in 2025.
We support people in finding sustainable livelihoods and improve food security. Through the Dorcas food voucher programme, widow Huda in Aleppo purchased essential items, ensuring healthy meals and restoring dignity for her family. Such help was provided to 80 people in 2025.
We strengthen community resilience through collaborative, asset-based and conflict-sensitive approaches. Amina joined Dorcas craft workshops in Aleppo, learning weaving and mosaic making. She gained confidence, reduced stress and began selling crafts to generate income. In 2025, 16 organisations received capacity strengthening as part of our Community Development efforts.
Strengthening economic resilience in Syria
Syria has faced many challenges over the last decade. Years of conflict and subsequent displacement have left many people struggling to make ends meet. Dorcas Syria supports those in need by providing livelihood training and practical assistance to support them in rebuilding their lives and earning a sustainable income. One of our project participants is Shukriya.
Our impact in 2022-2025
Total
- 692,161 people reached.
Communities
- 10 communities served.
Partners
- 15 partners strengthened.
How we work
Local leadership and partnerships
Dorcas Syria works with local, national and international partners, including civil society organisations, UN agencies, coordination platforms, faith-based actors and community groups. Our partnerships are built on trust, shared values and long-term commitment. Together, we create opportunities for communities to flourish.
- Armenian Catholic Church
- Armenian Protestant Church
- Catholic Charity Committee
- Greek Catholic Church
- Greek Orthodox Church
- Maronite Church
- Monastery of Saint James, the Mutilated
- Orthodox Youth Movement (OYM)
- Presbyterian Church
- Syriac Orthodox Church
- Syrian Society for Social Development (SSSD)
- St. Ephrem Patriarchal Development Committee (EPDC)
- Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Dutch Relief Alliance
- Mary’s Meals
- Mission East
- Pre-emptive Love Coalition
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)
- ZOA
- Damascus INGO Forum
- Sector working groups: Protection, Health, Food Security
- Different governmental ministries
- 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 climate resilience, local leadership and long-term impact. We welcome programme partnerships, institutional funding, research collaborations and private-sector engagement.
'Through the partnership with Dorcas, our centre strengthened its support to families through food vouchers, psychosocial support, staff training, and a fund that allowed us to implement education and remedial learning activities for children.'
Meet our Country Director
Najla Chahda
'Syrians are rebuilding amid profound hardship. By 2030, Dorcas Syria will be a trusted leader in humanitarian response and early recovery, helping communities live with safety, dignity and renewed hope. We do this through community centres that protect people at risk, strengthen mental health and wellbeing, restore livelihoods, and support resilience to future shocks. I invite you to explore collaboration with us – through funding, technical exchange, joint programming or advocacy. Together, we can realise our vision for Syria.'
Contact
Dorcas Syria office
Address
Abu Rumaneh, Ibn Al Haytham Ave, building 4, 3rd floor
Damascus, Syria
Downloads
Download our publications about Dorcas Syria.
