The Development Organization of Rural Sichuan (DORS) is a British charity established in 1997 to work in 7 villages. It expanded over time, and by 2008, DORS was active in 41 villages and managing a wider range of projects. In collaboration with the Sichuan Provincial Poverty Alleviation Office, DORS targets the least economically developed villages in the Ganluo County in Sichuan.
To alleviate poverty, DORS’ projects are all on a small scale to adapt to specific villages. Their projects often contribute to building foundational infrastructure, such as transport, electricity, solar energy, water supplies, bridges and roads. Financial initiatives such as micro-loans and micro-crediting to women are also implemented. Capacity-building projects include the building of educational facilities and technical training. Educational projects are one of the earlier initiatives, which includes the support for tuition fees, reparation of school facilities and provision of equipment. The official project summary, updated in 2012, states that their current projects includes integration, sustainable livelihood, education, earthquake relief projects, energy projects and a road project.
The DORS have a unique approach to ensure the efficiency of their work. In each village, DORS took the time to understand the local conditions by discussing with locals and interviewing 20% of all households in detail. They always take note of the resources available, observe existing working patterns and identify the most disadvantaged groups. After the detailed assessments, DORS would draft a development plan which would become an agreement between DORS and the village. During the implementation of its projects, DORS is careful with evaluating the work and drafting progress reports. All of these projects are supervised by the Sichuan Provincial Poverty Alleviation Office, and are cooperative with local governments.
Major Partners
Sichuan Office of Poverty Alleviation and Immigration, Sichuan Association of Poverty Alleviation and Development.
