As ZOA Dorcas, we work with internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and host communities. The current areas of operation are among the regions with the highest needs across the country: Western Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap and Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA). We focus mainly on these sectors: food security and livelihoods, water, sanitation, and hygiene, inclusive entrepreneurship, peacebuilding and climate resilience. Disability inclusion, gender and localisation are mainstreamed in our programmes. With diverse projects in these sectors, we have an integrated approach in mind: from emergency relief to recovery, working intentionally towards true local partnership and empowerment of local Civil Society Organisations.
Food security and livelihoods
The majority of South Sudanese depend on a combination of livestock and agriculture-based livelihoods, which are impacted by record-high levels of flooding and insecurity. Given the current context, ZOA Dorcas’ aim is to use a blended approach: to expand the disaster response activities in South Sudan, while at the same time continuing to work on recovery and sustainable food systems, incorporating local knowledge and approaches, and ensuring the long-term care of the precious resource of soil. Where necessary, we also aim to secure initial food availability by providing emergency cash or food distributions to affected households while supporting farmers to increase food production for household consumption and surplus production for the local market.
Water, sanitation and hygiene
Waterborne diseases remain the leading cause of death among children in South Sudan. Our Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes offer short-term solutions to tackle the spread of such diseases. These solutions include access to clean water pumps and basic toilets as well as ways to separate human waste from contact with people, especially among displaced populations. We also work with communities to build flood-resistant infrastructure and disaster risk-reduction initiatives.
Inclusive entrepreneurship
We provide vocational training, start-up grants and business development opportunities for marginalised women and men. We partner with local civil society organisations to train people in demand-driven skills that match the local context. The inclusion of disadvantaged groups, such as those with disabilities, is crucial and relatively unique in South Sudan. We believe that inclusion means ensuring everyone can participate and achieve their full potential in life.
Peacebuilding
We aim to strengthen community capacity-building efforts at the community level through training and mentoring of local peace structures, such as peace committees and peace promoters. We support grassroots-level peacebuilding initiatives and work with local actors to contribute to strategic-level peace dialogues. Moreover, we offer Community Based Sociotherapy (CBS) services to support and promote social cohesion and trust in communities affected by conflict and natural disasters.
Climate resilience
We look at all our interventions through the lens of climate resilience: what is the impact of our actions on the environment, and how can we mitigate or prevent possible adverse effects? What can we contribute to strengthening the ability of local communities to deal with climate-change-induced challenges? This includes a responsible use of our own operational resources and an overall awareness of our duty to care for the environment.
ZOA Dorcas South Sudan 