q
In 1962, the Coptic
Orthodox Church founded the Bishopric of Public, Ecumenical & Social
Services [BLESS] to
be the body taking the leading role in serving the poor & disadvantaged
communities with a pioneer concept; shifting from charity to development
approach.
q
BLESS work from 1962-1984 could be
categorized as follows:
·
Community Development Centers;
·
Child Care centers;
·
Vocational training centers;
·
Family services;
· Social services.
·
Diakonal services;
q
In 1985 RTP was founded & undergone through the following
phases:
*Phase I (1985-1990): was characterized by sectorial development approach & wide geographical spread, which
affected the quality of the work.
*Phase II (1991-1994): the sectorial approach continued with limitation of the geographical spread and focusing
on quality improving.
*Phase III (1994-1996): the program emphasized the following trends:
§
Empowerment of local people.
§
Sharing resources.
§
Comprehensiveness of activities.
§
Integration of Diaconal services.
q
As of November
1996 BLESS DD [with the help and
consultancy of I/C consultants from Holland and internal consultants] passed
through a successful changing process called Long Range Strategic Planning [LRSP]
process, moving from the sectorial development approach to the Comprehensive
Integrated one in a transitional phase, which
took place in the years 1998-1999.
q Based on our growing experience & emphasizing the buttom-up approach, BLESS came up with the 2000-2002, 2003-2005 & 2006-2008 & 2009-2011 plans for Comprehensive Integrated Development at Community level. In addition to its plan at the National level in the field of Youth and Education.
× BLESS DD structure is composed of :
³ Central Department: including director, coordination & post-exiting offices.
³ Program Department:
1- Community Organization Program.
2- Health & Environment Program.
3- Economic Development Program.
4- Rural Development Program.
5- Child Program.
6- Education Program.
7- Youth Program.
³ Support Centers:
1- Coptic Center for Human Resource Development {CHRD}.
2- Coptic Center for Social Studies {CCSS}.
3- Coptic Center for Public Relations {CCPR}.
³ Financial & Administrative Department.
³ Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation {PME} Office.
³ Consultants.