Our History
Our History – Rooted in the Values of Catholic Social Teaching
Since its founding in 1989 as the Refugee Trust International (RTI), Vita Impact has grown from a responsive aid organisation into a values-led development partner rooted in solidarity, dignity and care for our common home. Informed by the principles of Laudato Si’, we work with communities in Ethiopia and Eritrea to support practical, lasting solutions to poverty and climate change—placing those most affected at the centre of the response. Our model is not about delivering aid from the top down but enabling communities to lead, shape and sustain their own progress.
This approach is closely aligned with Catholic Social Teaching. We practice subsidiarity by ensuring decisions are made as locally as possible. We foster solidarity through deep long-term partnerships. And we uphold human dignity by supporting women and families to improve health, income and opportunity. Vita Impact’s work has evolved over time—from short-term relief to climate-smart community-led development—but the values that guide us remain constant. Our Innovations like our Vita Green Impact Fund reflect a new fairer way of working where environmental gains and financial returns stay within the communities that generate them. Vita Impact now works with rural communities to deliver clean cookstoves, clean water, climate smart agriculture and large-scale community-led forestry. Each element strengthens the others—stoves reduce pressure on forests, clean water reduces the need to boil and trees restore degraded land. Together, these programmes create a powerful, circular model for climate resilience and improved livelihoods.
The original Refugee Trust International was founded the patronage of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Father Kevin Doheny and Father Norman Fitzgerald founded in 1989. Understanding the importance of self sufficient communities, Saint Teresa inspired and encouraged Father Kevin and Father Norman to develop the same ideologies in their own programmes. RTI changed its name to Vita in 2005, with a geographic focus on Ethiopia and Eritrea where Vita established local offices in 2005 and 2010 respectively. Vita now has several partners in the region, including Irish Aid and the European Union.
Our Journey – Growth through Partnership
In his autobiography, Father Kevin Doheny wrote “our task and our privilege is to build bridges to enable people to cross the gulfs that divide them”.
Vita Impact is privileged to serve communities and build bridges for support from Irish and global partners.
Vita Impacts success is thanks to a combination of resolute values, innovative technology and strong partnership models.
Since 1989, Vita Impact has developed core expertise in facilitating communities to develop sustainable futures by growing food to feed their families, accessing water and household energy and developing skills to forge sustainable and healthy livelihoods.
