Trócaire at 40
Trócaire is the official overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland.
We were set up in 1973 by the Bishops of Ireland to express the concern of the Irish Catholic Church for the suffering of the world’s poorest people.
Trócaire envisages a just and peaceful world where people’s dignity is ensured and rights are respected; where basic needs are met and resources are shared equitably; where people have control over their own lives and those in power act for the common good.
We support communities in the developing world in their efforts to improve their lives, meet their basic needs and ensure their human dignity. This support is offered regardless of race, gender, religion or politics.
In Ireland, Trócaire raises awareness about the causes of poverty and encourages Irish people to campaign for global change and an end to poverty as a matter of justice.
Together in partnership
No matter where we work in the world, one factor is common; people want to have control over their own lives and the decisions affecting them.
That’s why we work in partnership with local organisations around the world to carry out our work.
Partnership means that we use our experience, funding and staff to support people in changing their communities. We don’t do the work for them. But we’re there every step of the way to guide, advise and make sure they have the skills and tools to reach their goals.
We’ve been around a long time and we’ve built up a network of professional locally-based organisations, our ‘partners’, with which we work. These organisations have a distinct knowledge of their own regions, they are trusted and they know the people well.
As no two communities are the same, there’s no room for a ‘one size fits all’ approach. With our partners and local people we build unique courses of action together.
The beauty of this is the lasting difference it brings; change that’s owned by local people, that enhances their skills and that encourages dignity and self-belief within people who have all the potential in the world.