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, water and hygiene and inclusive entrepreneurship to increase the resilience of people and communities. In our programmes we work with internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and host communities, always with a commitment to reaching people in the most vulnerable situations and in the hardest to reach areas. Disability inclusion, gender and localisation are mainstreamed in our programmes.
Overview
In South Sudan, Dorcas supports people living in the most vulnerable circumstances. We focus on creating sustainable livelihoods, strengthening food security, improving access to clean water, inclusive entrepreneurship and climate resilience. Our work reaches communities in some of the country's hardest to reach regions, including Western Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap and Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
Through long term partnerships with local organisations, we support 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 marginalised women and men with demand driven skills that match the needs of local markets, enabling them to generate a stable income for their families. The inclusion of groups in disadvantaged situations, 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.
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.
Livelihoods and Food Security
Food insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges in South Sudan. The majority of South Sudanese depend on a combination of livestock and agriculture-based livelihoods, which are affected by record-high levels of flooding and insecurity.
Given the current context, ZOA Dorcas aims to use a blended approach: expanding disaster response activities in South Sudan while continuing to work on recovery and sustainable food systems, incorporating local knowledge and approaches, and ensuring the long-term care of soil as a precious resource. 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 produce a surplus for the local market.
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.
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
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