Background

DO International, a part of Deutschordenswerke, province of the brothers of the Teutonic Order in Germany, is involved in development work in several countries, in particular in Asia, the Caribbean and Iran.
The main expertise of DO International is in drug treatment and harm reduction service provision. However we recognise that drug use is affected by the economic and social conditions of local communities and neighbourhoods. Drug use also knows no geographical or political boundaries. Acknowledging this, DO International seeks to develop partnerships with local non governmental organisations (NGOs) from the countries we work in to support local provision of services, assists in relationship with governments and donors - as well as providing financial support - and adopt a "South to South" approach to exchange of knowledge and experiences.

Mission of DO International

The very foundation of DO as well as DO International is based in the commitment to enable and facilitate the individual as well as the community to gain freedom and self-realisation and thereby the ability to change.
DO International is committed to the alleviation of poverty through sustainable action in developing countries. The objectives are the reduction of social and economic marginalisation and vulnerability to disease through poverty, poor living conditions and lack of access to healthcare, with a particular focus on the drug using/ drug dependant populations.

Working methods

We identify key partners capable of sustainable, impact-based programmes and services in the countries we work in. We link partners together to generate synergetic action. We support the delivery of culturally appropriate and effective services to marginalised populations, through the expertise of local NGOs to which we provide technical and financial assistance as well as creating opportunities to network and learn from others' experiences.
Only by acting in the respect of local needs and capacities and with the inclusion of final service users, we believe we can have an impact in reducing the marginalisation of individuals and communities in areas of health, economic and social well being.

Values that Inform our Actions

We respect each person and his/her place in his/her community by treating each person equally irrespective of creed, religious affiliation, political alliance, gender, race or sexual orientation. We are committed to justice. We will create space for individual and communities to develop. We will build mutual relationships based on trust. We do not create dependency. We aim to be efficient in decision-making and non-bureaucratic.