The year of 2007 was a year full of positive developments for Dorcas Aid International. The appointment of new staff at headquarters and for some DDOs, strengthened the capacity of the organisation. We also think that the strategic plans that were finalized for programme strategies, organisation and donor strategies throughout the organisation will increase our effectiveness to reach the poor and oppressed in this world. Some highlights in 2007:
Dorcas Received ISO Certification
As of May 2007, Dorcas Aid International is ISO 9001:2000 certified. The organisation was assessed in the areas of policy and procedures, organisational structures, performance and client satisfaction, human resource management and the management of resources. All levels of the Dorcas organisation went through the evaluation which took eleven months to complete. This included the fourteen field and regional offices of Dorcas in Eastern Europe, CIS and Africa as well as the affiliated donor organisations.
Strategic Plan 2007-2011
In 2007 the strategic plan for the period of five years was finalized. Stakeholders from all levels were included in developing programme strategies, organisation and donor strategies. Some of the main goals of the programme strategies are: increased cooperation with INGOs, stimulate cooperation among partner organisations with other NGOs, churches & government bodies, continued capacity development of partner organisations, increased participation & mobilization of beneficiaries, lobby & advocacy efforts as part of every sector, more multi sectoral programmes in communities. The three main goals of the organisation strategies are: increased effectiveness and efficiency, increased learning and knowledge within the organisation and expanded funding base.
Staff
In 2007 DAI appointed an employee responsible for Human Resource Management and for Agriculture. A Relief & Rehabilitation programme coordinator was also appointed. In the second part of 2007, the position for book keeper became vacant and DAI was able to appoint a full time book keeper. In December a new staff member was appointed responsible for Institutional Fundraising and for supporting the programme coordinator for Employment & Income.
Two new Dorcas Donor Organisation Directors were appointed in 2007. At the end of 2007 a director was appointed for the Dorcas Donor Organisation in South Africa. In the past, the fundraising activities in South Africa were coordinated by the field office. A new director was also appointed for the Dorcas Donor Organisation in Hungary. Before that the activities were coordinated from the regional office in Hungary since there was a vacancy for this position.
Funding
Compared to 2006, the funds received in 2007 increased with 13%.
