The year of 2006 was the first year that Dorcas HQ could fully function in
the new building that was finished in October 2005. Evaluating the year of
2006 together with the staff it seems that the environment had a positive
contribution to the spirit and functioning of the team and the performances
achieved. We are thankful for another year where we were able to help many
people in partnership with fi eld staff and partners. This was achieved through
short term assistance in relief situations and through sustainable programs
providing training and access to basic facilities.
Staff
We were happy to appoint a program coordinator responsible for Health &
HIV/AIDS. This meant that we could focus on the Health & HIV/AIDS sector
which has grown in importance because of the high prevalence rate of HIV/
AIDS in the African countries. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the CIS region
is also increasing at an alarming rate so more attention will be given to this
region in future.
With the appointment of an ICT manager Dorcas paid more attention to
market (eg the Internet) the international organization as well as the DDO's.
After evaluating our field structure in 2006 a decision was made to reduce
the number of regional offices from six to four: The Balkans coming under
Eastern Europe and Southern Africa coming under Eastern Africa. In this
way the countries of these regions can benefit more from the expertise of
the regional director and exchange knowledge and best practices between
partners in the different countries.
General policy & strategic plan
In 2006 a new general policy for the period of ten years was approved. The
new policy document was developed after a process of consultation and cooperation
with partner organizations in the field, staff and the international
board. One of the points of focus for this policy, based on the situation in the
countries where DAI is operating, is the increasing AIDS pandemic and the
response this needs from Dorcas and her partners. Another important point
is the need to further develop the involvement of DAI and her partners in
NGO-networks on a national and international level, in order to complement
and harmonize each others' efforts to address poverty.
Towards the end of 2006 the development of the new strategic plan for the
coming five years also started. During the budget meeting in October 2006
a two day workshop was held to brainstorm about the strategic plan of DAI.
At the end of 2006 a draft strategic plan was presented to the international
board for their input. Between January and May 2007 focus will be given on
writing the country and regional strategic plans.
ISO 9001:2000 certification
DAI wants to obtain insight in all internal areas so Dorcas can further improve
the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization which will help to
achieve the organizations objectives. The Dorcas organization will operate
more efficient and effective (due to quality improvement of the internal organization)
and Dorcas will be better known among donors and partners. We
expect that the ISO 9001:2000 certification will be obtained in May 2007.
