1. Home
  2. \
  3. News
  4. \
  5. Blog
  6. \
  7. Voice from the Field: Willy Tan

26 FEB 21

Voice from the Field: Willy Tan

Share this Blog:

Willy Photo Recut (1)

I’ve worked at Caritas Australia for 12 years now. The most satisfying part of my job has been hearing from community members about what a difference Caritas Australia’s support has made to them. In my last visit to Indonesia, an elderly woman told me: “We are happy that you come and you listen to us. Thank you for the work you do.” That made me feel very happy. I work alongside vulnerable communities, inspiring them, supporting them, and offering them guidance and opportunities for initiating social change and making improvements to their own community. I help them to plan what they want to achieve and take appropriate action and develop activities.

Over the last three years, 8500 people have improved access to toilets and benefited from the construction or repair of water supply systems. This saves community members, especially the women, many hours a day in water collection. That time that can now be spent learning new skills, tending to crops and livestock, caring for children and earning an income.

Ensuring a community has access to safe water not only improves hygiene and sanitation and prevents the spread of water-borne deceases, but is often the starting point for strong community empowerment.

Thank you for your support, which enables Caritas Australia field staff like Willy to work with partners on the ground and foster community development.

 

Related Articles

2013 POPE FRANCIS Credits Vatican Media

We give thanks for Pope Francis’ extraordinary legacy, and we commit to carrying his vision forward in our work and our lives.

Read More
Women And Children Wait To Recieve Aid At A Transit Camp For Sudanese Refugees Photo Credit Caritas Mongo

It has now been 2 years since the start of the brutal conflict in Sudan. More than 30 million people in Sudan now require humanitarian assistance. Over half are children. The most vulnerable people are being impacted the most, including women, the elderly and people living with disabilities.  

Read More
Myanmar (6)

On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar. Homes have been reduced to rubble, essential infrastructure has collapsed, and entire communities are struggling to access clean water, food, and medical care.

Read More
Turn Debt Into Hope Logo Colour

Caritas Australia’s Turn Debt Into Hope campaign addresses the crisis of unjust debt, advocating for relief and fair financial systems. Inspired by the Year of Jubilee, the campaign urges world leaders to prioritize human dignity over profits.

Read More

What can we help you with?

Speak with us

Call our Supporter Services team for assistance. Our lines are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEST.

1800 024 413

Contact Caritas Australia

Send us an enquiry and we’ll be in touch. We’d love to hear from you!

Contact Us

See our FAQs

Visit our FAQ page to learn more about the work of Caritas Australia and find answers to our most frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Donate now to provide support where it's most needed today

Donate Now