Priscilla lives with her husband and two grandchildren in the Hwange region. 

Climate change continues to bring unprecedented challenges for people living in the most vulnerable and remote communities in Zimbabwe. In 2022, an intense dry spell meant that many families were unable to produce sufficient crops, with many at risk of extreme hunger. More than half of Zimbabwe’s population, 7.9 million people, live in extreme poverty.

With the support of Caritas Australia’s partner, Caritas Hwange, Priscilla and her community learnt conservation farming to grow drought-resistant crops.

With her new-found knowledge, Priscilla helped train and support other farmers in her community to learn techniques to produce better yields.

Her increased harvest from conservation farming allowed Priscilla to sell her crops and start poultry farming, selling eggs to grow her income stream and pay for her grandchildren’s education. Caritas Hwange also helped rehabilitate the dip tank in her community so that Priscilla’s cattle can be healthy and free from tick-borne diseases. Priscilla now has the skills she needs to diversify her income and support her family during the current drought.

During Lent, we are invited to take up the call to fast, pray and give alms. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the many crises that have struck the world over the past 12 months mean that many communities are in great need of your support.  

Supporting Project Compassion is a way for us to proclaim the faith that is in our hearts and help our sisters and brothers in need. Your gift will help uplift the most marginalised and vulnerable members of society.

To donate to Project Compassion, visit Caritas Australia’s website: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/ or call 1800 024 413.

CONTACT: Jessica Stone on 0490 684 867 / jessica.stone@caritas.org.au