At the end of 1999, Cordaid arose from a merger between three Catholic development organizations: Memisa Medicus Mundi, Mensen in Nood (Caritas Netherlands) and Bilance (former Cobemo and Vastenaktie/ Dutch Lenten Campaign). They all shared the evangelical dedication of solidarity with people who are, for whatever reason, in need of help. At the time, many missionaries handed over their work to local organizations in developing countries. Cordaid cooperates with over a thousand of these local organizations.
These organizations were rooted in traditions that dated back to the start of twentieth century. They dedicated themselves to providing shelter and care for refugees, relief aid, medical care and poverty alleviation in developing countries. They had the support of large sections of the Dutch population and were able to assist hundreds of Dutch orders and congregations of priests, sisters, brothers, and volunteers in their care for the people. It is in this tradition that Cordaid is rooted.
From Missionaries to Local Partner Organizations
Over the years, Cordaid supported an increasing number of development organizations, including organizations that are no longer directly linked to missionaries. Circumstances have changed: the number of Dutch missionaries is rapidly declining. However, the gospel and the Catholic Social Teaching that is based on it, remain the source of inspiration for Cordaid. In many cases, the missionaries have handed over their work to local organizations in developing countries. Today, these support the poor and help build social organizations. Cordaid cooperates with over a thousand local organizations worldwide.
Beliefs and Actions Put into Practice
The daily practice of development work is very dynamic. No instant solutions are available. Cordaid seeks progress and development together with our partner organizations in developing countries. We are in continuous dialogue with each other about the directions and steps to be taken. We also keep in touch with our contributors in the Netherlands. It is a challenge to find the means to communicate our work and inspiration to the wide variety of people connected to us. If and when our values prove to be incongruous with reality, we are always willing to enter into debate. It is precisely this interaction between beliefs and actions that helps shape our Catholic values and put them into practice.