Put your compassion into action today

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Rosalie is seated, holding a tub of the ice blocks that she sells in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Credit: Arlette Bashizi/CAFOD

Put your compassion into action today

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$65 $150 $500 $1,473

can help two program participants, like Rosalie in DRC, to acquire a small kiosk to start a sewing business to improve family income.

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to help families living in poverty around the world.

Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible

You are helping women across the world thrive

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From child soldier to entrepreneur. Today, Rosalie is a small business owner and can earn enough income to support her children's education. Photo: Arlette Bashizi/CAFOD

Rosalie from the Democratic Republic of Congo had a tough childhood. Her father passed away when she was just two years old, and her mother struggled to look after the family on her own. As a result, she did not have the financial security to afford school. Rosalie was just 14-years-old when she was forced to trade schoolbooks for a gun and become a child soldier.

When Rosalie finally left the army after six years, she was eager to start a new life, free from violence. But like many ex-combatants, Rosalie found the challenge to adjust to civilian life overwhelming. With her childhood and education cut short by the war, she had missed out on developing skills that would help her to find secure employment.

With your generous help, Rosalie was able to participate in business and social skills training, supported by Caritas Australia’s partners, Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and Caritas Bukavu.

Today, Rosalie is an entrepreneur and owns numerous businesses, including a second-hand shoe stall and selling ice-cream.

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Aloma has learnt how to care for her local environment in the Philippines. Photo credit: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia.

Aloma

Aloma’s village was heavily impacted by Typhoon Santi and as a result she faced extreme financial difficulties. She has since become the treasurer of of the area where she lives and is part of the Disaster Risk Reduction Council, helping manage evacuations during emergencies.

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Martina outside her home talking with her councillor from a women's refuge in Timor-Leste. Photo credit: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia.

Martina

To escape domestic violence, Martina fled to the Uma Pas women’s shelter in Timor Leste, She received basic financial training and learned how to manage finances, gain economic independence and support her children.

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Thandolwayo outside her home holding water In Zimbabwe. Photo credit: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia.

Thandolwayo

Thandolwayo would walk seven kilometres each day to collect contaminated water for her family. Through Caritas Australia’s partnership with Caritas Hwange, the community was able to install two solar-powered pumps and a 10,000-litre water tank.