Department for World Service
Relief for flood victims arrives in Katakwi, northeastern Uganda. © LWF /DWS Uganda/C. Kippels |
The Department for World Service (DWS) is the internationally recognized humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) working with marginalized and disadvantaged communities in the areas of greatest vulnerability and endemic need. In these efforts, DWS cooperates within global networks that include ecumenical, governmental and non-governmental partners.
With field programs in 36 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin and Central America and Europe, DWS has a distinguished record of compassionate and professional response, and effective long-term development programs. Its efforts reach out to all who are in need without distinction of ethnicity, gender, religion, nationality or political conviction.
Working in close collaboration with ACT (Action by Churches Together), DWS assists victims of natural and human made disasters to survive an immediate emergency. The second major emphasis of DWS, and central to its work, is the long-term commitment with communities to utilize holistic approaches for sustainable development.
Governance and Mandate
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The department's work is governed by the LWF Council through the Program Committee for World Service (PCWS). In 2000, the Council established the Standing Committee for World Service (SCWS) to accompany, monitor and govern the operations of DWS.
Please click here for more information on the mandate of DWS:
DWS Terms of Reference (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) 
Terms of Reference for all Council Committees
Standing Committee for World Service
DWS Strategic Plan 2007-2012 [Hi-res version (2 MB)]
Click here for information from the 2002 LWF Global Consultation, "Prophetic Diakonia: For the Healing of the World".
Focus Areas
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The overall work of DWS is supported and facilitated by specialized activities that provide focus and flexibility, to enable response to ongoing and changing demands and circumstances. The DWS focus areas are:
- Emergencies, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs);
- Sustainable Development and the Environment;
- Advocacy and Communications;
- Human Resources Development and
- Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Country Programs
Cultivation of tomatoes in greenhouses |
DWS works in 36 countries through four regional, 20 country and seven associate programs and emergency operations, providing the operational means for humanitarian assistance and implementing development strategies. All DWS country programs started in response to emergency situations at the invitation of local partners. To rebuild communities, long-term local partnerships address the ongoing goals of sustainability, empowerment, advocacy and capacity building. Where local capacity and empowerment have been achieved, governance has been transferred to a local structure, becoming associate programs that maintain partnership with DWS.
Partners
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DWS works within an extensive network of partner relationships that enhance the effectiveness and multiply the resources of supporting and funding partners, and local implementing partners. This partnership network includes: the LWF member churches and their related agencies; ecumenical organizations, in particular, Action by Churches Together (ACT) and the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA); specialized agencies of the United Nations; and other inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations.
DWS Geneva
The DWS organization and staff within the LWF secretariat in Geneva provide the infrastructure and relationships to enable planning, coordination and accountability for the effective and efficient program management of humanitarian and diaconic work. On behalf of the partnership network and local communities, the functions of DWS Geneva include the formulation of policy and strategic direction for approval by the Standing Committee for World Service; overall management, administration and fundraising in relation to the country programs; and coordination of efforts in the designated focus areas mentioned above.
Finances and Personnel
In 2006, total resources administered on program and emergency support amounted to USD 90 million (DWS programs USD 70.8 million and USD 19 million for associate programs). These funds are provided by member churches, related agencies, governments, intergovernmental agencies and individual donors. The DWS global system of humanitarian response and sustainable development is facilitated by approximately 40 international staff in key country program positions, 2,700 local staff and consultants, and 15 staff within DWS Geneva. The LWF associate programs employ an additional 3,000 staff.
History
One of 40 Lutheran refugee families from Germany and Austria resettled in southern France on rented farms with LWF help. |
In 1947 the Lutheran World Federation began serving those in need, primarily Lutheran refugees who had been displaced as a result of World War II. Through more than five decades, assistance to refugees, internally displaced persons and those affected by disasters has continued as a major emphasis. The equally significant emphasis that has grown in recent decades is a holistic approach to sustainable development that is people centered, rights based, gender aware and environmentally responsible.
For further information please contact:
DWS Director Rev. Eberhard Hitzler or Secretary Ms Doris Gfeller.
