Stories from Project Compassion 2023
This year, Project Compassion features the stories of four inspiring people from Nepal, Australia, Zimbabwe and Vietnam.
Laxmi in Nepal
After losing her father at a young age, Laxmi was at risk of falling further into extreme poverty. But with the support of our partner Caritas Nepal, Laxmi joined a child's club, became a leader in her school and is now a mentor to other girls in her village.
Laxmi is now excelling in her studies and working towards her dream of becoming a civil engineer. She continues to be involved in the child's club, serving as an advisor and mentoring the next generation of young leaders at her old school.
Since 2018, Caritas Nepal has supported more than 5,000 children through the child's clubs.
Tereesa in Australia
Tereesa is a Gamilaroi woman from Western Sydney who struggled with homelessness while raising her four children. Seeking a better future for her children, Tereesa joined Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation’s Young Mums and Bubs Group, supported by Caritas Australia. Baabayn helped Tereesa access housing for her family and psychological support.
Already an aspiring artist, Tereesa was able to flourish at Baabayn as she learnt Indigenous artwork and symbols. With the support of Baabayn, Tereesa’s art was displayed and sold at local markets and she is now working to start her own art business. Tereesa’s artwork was recognised at the 2022 Vivid Festival in Sydney.
Priscilla in Zimbabwe
Priscilla lives in the Hwange district in Zimbabwe, where the impacts of climate change are exacerbating food insecurity in vulnerable communities. This can be seen in the erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, poor agricultural soils and high temperatures in the region.
Priscilla joined the Zimbabwe Integrated Community Development Program, implemented by our partner Caritas Hwange and funded by Caritas Australia. Through the program, Priscilla and her community learnt conservation farming techniques to grow drought-resistant crops to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Priscilla was able to produce a bumper harvest in her first year of practicing in conservation farming.
Thu in Vietnam
Thu lost his leg after stepping on a land mine in Vietnam. In addition to being the breadwinner for his family, Thu had to take on the role of caring for his wife, Linh, after she suffered a stroke.
Determined to turn their lives around, Thu and Linh joined the Empowerment of People with Disabilities program, run by Caritas Australia’s local partner in Vietnam, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD).
The Empowerment of People with Disabilities program supports people living with disabilities to establish Village Saving and Loans Associations (VSLA) so that they can access affordable loans. Through the VSLA he was able to obtain a low-interest loan, which he used to open his own barber shop on a new road that was constructed near his home.
For All Future Generations
Spanning across the six weeks of Lent each year, Project Compassion brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world.
Your generous support can help change lives today - and For All Future Generations.