Caritasnews magazine, Winter 2013 by Caritas Australia

No 133 winter 2013

Standing up for women and girls Human rights to community development

A place of love Building homes without violence Project Compassion Thank you for opening doors

1800 024 413 www.caritas.org.au

FROM THE CEO It is with mixed emotions that I write my last CEO letter for Caritasnews. I am profoundly grateful for the extraordinary blessings and opportunities that have come my way over the last 12.5 years as Caritas Australia CEO, and as I move on. I have endeavoured throughout my life to serve Christ’s poor in whatever way I could. To be able to serve this sense of personal mission within the Church has been a rich source of blessing and renewal of my faith. The opportunities where I have learned about life, dignity, justice and most importantly love are sources of overflowing gifts to me which I am thankful for. The people who make up the life of Caritas are inspiring. The children, women and men whose dignity confronts the poverty and injustice that attempt to demean them, are testament to all that matters in the work of Caritas. Thank you for supporting Caritas and Project Compassion 2013. It is through your support that our agency can continue assisting these women, men and children worldwide. In this issue we focus on women and their role in development. Women make up 70 percent of the world’s poor. They face – particularly in developing countries – systematic discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, control of assets and participation. At Caritas Australia, within our partners around the world and in many vulnerable communities, women are guiding lights. Their strength, confidence and focus on lifting the spirits of the poor are quite extraordinary. Through Catholic Social Teaching, which promotes the dignity of each person, our long-term programs aim to lift whole communities from poverty. Galatians 3:28 says: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” In solidarity,

In February, Jess Meyers, 15, held a gala dinner and raised over $16,000 for the work of Caritas Australia. Jess is pictured here with guest speaker and former Miss World, Belinda Green. Photo: Annie Meyers

thank you Thank you to everyone who engaged with Project Compassion 2013. Your energy, commitment and passion is what makes this annual fundraiser so successful year after year. On 23 February 2013, a remarkable 15-year-old raised $16,435. This is the third time that Jess Meyers has raised money to assist Caritas Australia, with her grand total reaching nearly $20,000. For more on Jess, and other wonderful Caritas Australia supporters, please visit www.caritas.org.au/learn/blog

In 2013, we mark a decade of Caritas Internationalis and Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance working together to assist the local women, men and children of Darfur in Sudan. We have been providing clean water, maternal healthcare, nutrition, education and livelihood training to families living in camps. For more on Darfur, please visit www.caritas.org.au/learn/darfur

For the latest news, events and updates head to:

03 WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT

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04 ASSISTING SYRIAN REFUGEES

Cover: Laxmi, 15, is an orphan and a year 10 student in the Bardiya district of Nepal. Through Caritas Nepal’s anti-trafficking program, Laxmi is being supported with education materials so she can continue to receive an education. All photos Caritas Australia unless otherwise stated.

Caritas Australia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land.

06 A SECOND CHANCE: PAPUA NEW GUINEA 07 EDUCATIng GIRLS in UGANDA 08 UPDATE FROM PSYCHE MAE: PHILIPPINES 09 EMPOWERING WOMEN IN SOUTH ASIA 10 CARITAS COMMUNITY: PROJECT COMPASSION 2013

Women in Development

“We are creating an environment where women’s participation has worth, where their voices are heard and where their contributions are valued.”

Women make up 70 percent of the world’s poor. Poverty places women at greater risk of violence and human rights abuses; in fact, the United Nations (UN) states that one in three women will be abused at some point in their life and the lifetime risk for violence against women can exceed 70 percent in some countries. Did you know that across the globe, women do 66 percent of the world’s work and produce 50 percent of its food, yet earn only 10 percent of the world’s income and own only one percent of property? (UN) There is a long way to go to achieve equality and empowerment of women worldwide, one of the eight Millennium Development Goals, however every day Caritas Australia is working to uphold women’s dignity and build a collective of women’s voices. Sustainable growth and development, as part of the creation of a world that God desires, can only occur when everyone – women, men and children – are involved in all matters that affect their lives. Equality for all is a much broader issue than parity in education, employment opportunities and political participation. Equal access to health, social protection and development opportunities are all critical to tackling poverty and fighting injustice. In this issue, we examine a range of stories that highlight the diverse ways

Economically empowering women often results in the benefits flowing throughout the whole community, like this one in Cambodia.

our development programs address issues that threaten women’s dignity. As Ranmal Samarawickrama, Group Leader of South Asia and Timor Leste, Caritas Australia, summarised, “Our work is about changing

This issue of Caritasnews coincides with the Caritas Australia Winter Appeal which is helping to raise awareness about women’s lives in Peru. Within Peru, according to the 2009 Demographic and Health Survey, nearly two out of every five women have suffered physical violence from their husband or partner at some point in their life. In the capital city of Lima, we are working with local partner, Caritas Chosica to build women’s value and self-esteem, and promote equality between men and women. This is achieved through community support groups which help to overcome violence, malnutrition and unemployment. Here, men and women also learn to grow and maintain vegetable gardens, providing nutrition for the body and the mind.

the environment, so the value of women is increased. We are creating an environment where women’s participation has worth, where their voices are heard and where their contributions are valued. “To the point where the elderly women’s voices are valued just as much as the old men; the wisdom of an old woman is just as powerful. For us, the work that we do creates that environment where the whole life cycle has value.” At Caritas Australia, Catholic Social Teaching promotes the dignity of each person, regardless of ethnicity, religion or cultural beliefs. This quest for the full realisation of dignity and wellbeing for all peoples is at the heart of our work and mission.

winter 2013

Syrian refugees

Where is home? For many years, the Caritas network has supported communities in the Middle East. As a result of a two-year conflict in Syria, women, men and children are fleeing to neighbouring countries, with thousands of people leaving their homes behind for a life of uncertainty.

Every day, Zarfeh and her remaining eight children pray for the safe return of her missing husband and older boys. Photo: Patrick Nicholson, Caritas Internationalis

Laura Bruce, Program Coordinator – Global Programs and Partnerships, Humanitarian and Emergencies Group, Caritas Australia

78 percent of Syrian refugees fleeing for Lebanon are women and children. Photos: Sam Tarling, Caritas Switzerland

Since the conflict began, Caritas Australia has been supporting families and vulnerable people such as unaccompanied children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, disabled individuals and the elderly, who are fleeing Syria with only the clothes on their back. Over the past two years we have heard many stories of courage and resilience. One recent story came from Zarfeh, a mother and wife who, along with eight of her children, fled to Jordan. Upon arriving she registered with Caritas Jordan for life-saving assistance. Unfortunately her husband and two of her older boys remain in Syria, their whereabouts unknown. Their photos are at the centre of a heart collage on one of their temporary home’s walls. “We had to get the children out because it had become too dangerous,” she said. “I brought nothing of value, except my children. There is nothing more precious than that.” Every day, people like Zarfeh are arriving in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. And host communities within these countries are overwhelmed by the sheer numbers who are unlikely to be returning to Syria any time soon.

How did it all begin? In March 2011, protests against the Assad Government were sparked by the Arab Spring. Since this time the conflict between those opposed to the government and government forces has escalated across Syria, with reports of chemical weapons, war crimes and human rights violations. As a result, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that by March 2013 over one million Syrians had fled for Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and North Africa. The actual figure, however, could be much higher as the UNHCR only accounts for registered refugees. The true number doesn’t include those who are waiting to register or those who choose not to, out of fear. In addition, within Syria, at least 3.6 million people are displaced and up to 5.5 million people are affected by conflict, with the UN recently warning that by the end of 2013 the number of Syrian refugees who’ve fled their homes could reach nine million people. What is Caritas doing? As a result, Caritas and other international non-government organisations are supporting the

“I brought nothing of value, except my children. There is nothing more precious than that.” growing number of refugees who have fled Syria, as well as communities within Syria who have been affected by the conflict. There appears to be no end in sight, and agencies like ours have had to significantly scale up activities and make plans in an uncertain environment. To assist, Caritas Australia is supporting emergency response programs in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. Caritas Lebanon is responding to the growing needs of Syrian refugees; of which 78 percent are women and children, by providing food and nonfood items such as cooking kits, shelter, psychosocial support for those who have been exposed to scenes of violence back in Syria, and protection for women who are unaccompanied. Caritas Jordan is providing food and non-food items, such as personal hygiene and detergents, bedding materials and cooking sets to refugees living outside the government-provided camps which are now overcrowded. They are also assisting people who are residing in host communities with healthcare services and education, and providing rental assistance, which is especially important due to the high demand for accommodation, and loss of income. Caritas Turkey operates from Istanbul but, in order to respond to the refugee crisis, they have set up a temporary office near the Syrian border. The Turkish Government has provided camps, but they are also crowded. Caritas Turkey is supporting vulnerable families who aren’t in the camps with food coupons, hygiene and healthcare. You can help You can help by donating to the Caritas Australia Emergency Response Fund which allows us to assist people around the world suffering from conflict, political uncertainty and the effects of natural disasters. Donations $2 and over are tax deductible. Donate by calling 1800 024 413 toll free or go to www.caritas.org.au/donate

Rahaf’s Story By Patrick Nicholson, Caritas Internationalis

“We had a “We were normal life,” said foreigners. We Rahaf Al Jaber, a knew nobody here. 20-year-old from We managed to the Syrian capital make friends with Damascus. “We our neighbours went to university. and they told me We had friends. about Caritas.” We were even a Her family little spoiled by came to the our parents. And Caritas centre, then suddenly we which provides had nothing. We humanitarian were cold, hungry aid to Syrian and alone.” refugees; blankets Rahaf fled and heaters, with her family personal hygiene to Jordan after kits, medical care, her father was rental assistance, “We had a normal counselling threatened. “My life ... and then father received a and informal phone call saying suddenly we had education for he should leave or nothing. We were children. he would be killed. “Here in Caritas, cold, hungry We left the house I felt the spirit and alone.” straight away, of love. I felt their without time to mission and it was pack. We learned that our house close to my heart,” said Rahaf. In was burned down later. We fled late 2012, she began volunteering along back roads and through at the Caritas centre in Zarqa. fields to avoid checkpoints. We Each volunteer at the centre has walked across the border.” a role – in the kitchen, in data Once they were in Jordan, they entry, or teaching Syrian children. went to Zaatari refugee camp. “It’s Much of the work of Caritas in a desert. Life is very difficult,” Jordan is carried out by their she said. “We slept in tents with 1,000 volunteers, who are other families. There was nothing Jordanian or Syrian, Christian or to do there. We were there 29 Muslim, like Rahaf. days. I counted every day.” “For me, working in a Christian Then the family moved to organisation is not strange. I Zarqa, a small town about an had many Christian friends back hour from the capital Amman, home. I just want to help Syrians, where they rent an apartment. especially the children.”

LEARN FOR MORE ABOUT THE SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS, HEAD TO WWW.CARITAS.ORG.AU/SYRIA-CRISIS

winter 2013

pacific: papua new guinea

A Second Chance

For Project Compassion this year, we brought you a story from Mercy Works in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Here, we examine another program supported by Caritas Australia and Mercy Works (Australia), which offers support and a second chance to all who are vulnerable, including female prisoners and ex-prisoners in PNG. Josephine, a Mercy Works team member, assists Judy with the sewing machine. Judy, an ex-prisoner and self-taught dressmaker, is now one of Mercy Works’ resource personnel and sees her role as a privilege. Photos: Mercy Works

Twice a week, the Sisters of Mercy and “In many PNG villages, it’s often the resource personnel visit Bihute and case that men take a second wife; and Baisu prisons where they hold sessions neglect their first wife and children. As in skills and awareness training. these women have received very little “The first session includes human education and are unable to provide rights, women’s rights, anger fully for their children, they are left management, budgeting, marketing feeling fearful and angry,” said Sister and healthcare. The second focuses Maryanne from Mercy Works. on sewing, handiwork and cooking,” This desperate situation often drives said Sister Maryanne. Each fortnight first wives to carry out an action the women sell their products at Mercy committed in anger with devastating Markets with results; hence “Because of a lack of good funds going to the majority of legal support, many women purchase materials women in prison are first wives aged spend more time than they and provide 25-40 who have should in prison in PNG.” rehabilitation. Mercy Works been incarcerated provides emotional support to for murder; other cases include pregnant women and those with fighting, stealing and selling drugs. newborn babies. Toddlers are often “Because of a lack of good legal given food and toys to stimulate them. support, many women spend more “The law stipulates that any baby time than they should in prison under three years may remain with his/ in PNG. They also do not have the her mother. However, once the child financial support to help themselves,” is three, he/she is placed in custody of said Sister Maryanne. a relative or person authorised with But there are many other factors the consent of the mother. Currently too. “The mixing of many cultures in there are eight babies living with their PNG, urbanisation, poverty and the mothers in Baisu prison. While the breakdown of traditional roles all mothers receive their training, we care contribute.” for the children,” she said. Mercy Works also offers emotional How does Mercy Works help? support and help through the court Mercy Works encourages women to system, and provides legal assistance. speak honestly and with confidence.

Judy’s Story by Sister Bernadine Judy is one of Mercy Works’ resource personnel. She is also an exprisoner and self-taught dressmaker. Judy is teaching the female prisoners to sew. The prisoners told me they see her as a blessing, as they are learning to sew meri blouses (PNG’s national dress) and maintain the sewing machines. As a former prisoner, Judy sees her role as a privilege and enjoys knowing that when the women leave they will be able to earn an income and help their families. For many women, all they want to do is see their children, but this depends on whether their family visits them. And, as a female prisoner can be in gaol up to 18 years in PNG, when her term finishes she will struggle to restart her life. This program provides the skills and support, so they can rebuild their lives.

There are currently eight babies living with their mothers in Baisu prison, PNG.

DONATE When you donate to Caritas Australia, you are helping us to assist vulnerable people and communities.

Africa: Uganda

Educating

girls

Janet Oyee works for Caritas Lira in northern Uganda. She is passionate about child protection and education for girls. I grew up with four siblings in Lango, Lira district, northern Uganda. After our father died in 1986, his relatives claimed our house; so our mother was left on her own with no property and five children to care for. Determined that we were to finish our education, Mum engaged in micro-gardening and other agricultural activities. The little money she earned sustained our family. In 1993, she fell sick and passed away. At first, we struggled on alone and my brother and I, as the eldest, had to leave school to care for the others. I was soon able to re-attend primary school. In 1995, thanks to assistance from a family friend and Italian Catholic Priest, Father Alberto, I was fortunate to attend St Mary’s School Aboke, a secondary school for girls, and continue on with my studies. Others aren’t so lucky. Marriage and education In Lango, early marriage is a serious child protection concern with young girls often married off so their parents can lessen their economic burdens. Child marriage is a violation of human rights and compromises girls’ lives, often resulting in early pregnancy and social isolation. Young married girls face onerous domestic burdens and reduced life choices. To gain a better understanding about the challenges young girls face, I regularly visit local primary schools. I’ve discovered that most parents are not supportive to all their children. This is especially true when a girl reaches puberty as her parents believe she is then ready to find a husband.

At Caritas Lira, we are teaching schools and parents about hygiene and how to make reusable sanitary pads. Photos: Caritas Lira

“Child marriage is a violation of human rights and compromises girls’ lives, often resulting in early pregnancy and social isolation.”

Janet with her daughter, Priscilla. Janet is determined to keep girls in school as long as possible.

I’ve also discovered that mothers don’t talk about menstruation very often; so many young girls avoid embarrassment by not attending school for up to five days every month. This absence often leads to poor academic performance, with parents removing their daughters from school, only to concentrate on educating their sons. Which explains why, in Uganda and particularly my own area of Lango, hundreds of girls are enrolled in lower primary and as puberty begins, they drop out. By the time year seven comes around, there are as little as five girls left in school. How is Caritas helping? At Caritas Lira, we are teaching schools and parents about hygiene and how to make reusable sanitary pads. Made from cheap and clean cotton materials, they can last up to six months, are

cost effective and when washed, dried, ironed and kept well, are very hygienic. So far the program, which is supported by Caritas Australia, is being run in five schools. Each of these schools has a Girls Education Movement (GEM) Club as a co-curricular activity which is led by a teacher. The clubs’ aims are to ensure girls complete their education; they also champion the making of sanitary pads. Some students and parents also make sanitary pads to sell, thereby earning an income. I also like to speak with parents about the importance of education for girls, and always mention our current speaker of Ugandan Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, and the former Vice President of Uganda, Dr Specioza Wandira Kaziwe as two examples of women whose parents did not compromise on their education. Through this unique but simple program, Caritas is helping to give girls the same access to education and hopes for the future as boys.

DONATE When you donate to Caritas Australia, you are helping communities to learn about hygiene and healthcare.

winter 2013

Southeast Asia: Philippines

helping others Psyche Mae was only 12 years old when she met Sister Ann from Caritas Australia’s partner, the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ). That 2004 meeting changed her life. After featuring in Project Compassion 2008, Psyche Mae, now 21, graduated high school to become a qualified social worker and is planning to study a master’s degree. When Psyche Mae featured in Project Compassion 2008, she was living in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, Manila, Philippines with her parents, sister and three brothers. A relocation site for squatter families seeking a better life, it is a desperately poor area that sits on the edge of a garbage dump. In July 2004, with the support of Caritas Australia, the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ) offered hope to Psyche Mae and her family. “Before the program, life was extremely hard for my family,” she said. Her father was a construction worker and her mother sewed items to sell; other income was made by collecting and selling scrap materials from the garbage dump. When school fees needed to be paid or someone got sick they had to borrow from moneylenders at very high rates of interest.

The Urban Renewal Program The Urban Renewal program is based on the principles of benefiting and empowering the poorest within a framework of Catholic Social Teaching. It provides training to communities so they can learn new practical skills to improve their lives and help them become self-reliant. Her mother, Christina, learnt how to make bags to sell which generated extra income for the family. “When we joined the program, I received a scholarship, so my education was assured and my mother earned regular income,” said Psyche Mae who around the same time also began using the FCJ youth group’s computer room. “Before I entered high school I enrolled in the FCJ Computer Literacy program where I learned how to operate a computer and use basic programs. Because of the scholarship, I was able to finish my education and pursue my dream to be a social worker, and now I have the opportunity to help other people like me.” Whole Family Assistance Psyche Mae said she is very proud to report that since graduating, she has become a qualified social worker, assisting poor and needy families.

Psyche Mae was a determined school student. She has since graduated high school to become a qualified social worker and is planning to study a master’s degree. Photo: Sean Sprague (2008).

Psyche Mae with Caritas Australia’s Kath Rosic, Southeast Asia Group Leader, and Mary Anne Collins, Global Education Advisor, Victoria and Tasmania.

“I am also planning on a master’s degree in either public administration or social services development.” Her family is also doing well and although life is not easy in Bagong Silangan, participating in the program has improved their social-economic status. Psyche Mae’s mother is a parttime FCJ skills trainer and her father works with the FCJ House Repair program. “My brother Franklin is studying Information Technology at St John Bosco College and will graduate next year; Glean Mark is in his third year of high school; my sister Faith Christine Joy (named after FCJ) is in year three and my youngest brother, Cris Cyril, is in grade one. Hopefully all of us will finish our education.” Psyche Mae said that the skills, knowledge and education that her family received from Caritas Australia and FCJ gave them the strength to get through many difficult times. “The education that I received is helping my whole family,” said Psyche Mae. “I would like to thank you for supporting Caritas Australia. It’s because of you that the FCJ is able to provide beneficial programs. Please continue to support Caritas Australia and God bless.”

ACT JOIN OUR CARITAS ONLINE COMMUNITY AND BE PART OF OUR SOCIAL JUSTICE CONVERSATIONS ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CARITASAU

SOUTH ASIA

THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN Earlier this year, Caritas Australia’s Ranmal Samarawickrama was invited by the Archdiocese of Sydney to speak at a screening of It’s a Girl, a film documentary about gendercide (the elimination of baby girls at birth) in China, India and other countries. Ranmal has worked in development for 13 years and every day he is advocating for a Just World. Ranmal Samarawickrama, Group Leader, South Asia and Timor Leste, Caritas Australia

“There are many people within the Caritas network and civil society with immense courage who fight the system.” LEARN Find out more about the film It’s a Girl at www.itsagirlmovie.com

When I was first asked to present at the screening, due to the intensity of the topic my reaction was one of apprehension. By its very nature, Every day, the Caritas network fights injustice and creates gendercide is upsetting, environments where women and girls are valued. but it’s the reality of the situation some women immense courage who fight the system. find themselves in and that some They are all going against the grain, development workers are exposed to. pushing and challenging authorities, It is only one of many tragedies that putting themselves out there to work poverty and injustice cause. harder, to see and do things differently. In our work, we see many effects of This places them outside the immediate poverty and how it takes away people’s social surroundings, but we are very choices. So for me, speaking at the fortunate to have the partners that we screening was a good way to raise have. We are also very fortunate to work awareness about the realities of poverty, in the communities we do because and to outline how we are helping there are many people who, by their women and girls find their voice. very nature, want positive change. It’s a Girl is emotionally disturbing as it doesn’t shy away from the Changing society and culture confronting topic. It illustrates how The work that Caritas does is to change mothers are often not given the choice community pressures and ultimately when it comes to gendercide, the society, so gendercide does not have to environment in which this is allowed happen. We want the parents to have to happen and the excuses made for it. an appreciation of their baby, who has It also shows how excuses were made in all the potential in the world. the name of culture, and how collective We are also changing culture. consensus means people can just carry Culture is not sacred, it is merely a on with their lives. current consensus on social norm, and Caritas Australia does not have sometimes we have to stop thinking projects that specifically address that we can’t change it. gendercide but all our programs Every day we fight injustice and create work towards upholding dignity. The environments so women have more term ‘gendercide’ is a toning down of value; so they have an economic role in reality; it’s the elimination of baby girls the family and in society, the ability to because they are an economic burden. communicate their own ideas, and the Gendercide in any law is illegal, but freedom to say no to the established when a whole society acts by informal hierarchy which allows injustice to laws, formal law means nothing. prevail. What we are doing is changing I would like to acknowledge the awareness so people can see that makers of It’s a Girl. If you view the formal laws have value. film documentary, I hope you are inspired to continue supporting Caritas Fighting the system Australia’s work to promote justice, There are many people within the uphold dignity and amplify women’s and girls’ voices. Caritas network and civil society with

winter 2013

Project Compassion 2013

Thanks for helping Our Project Compassion 2013 stories are about children, young people and their communities. Caritas Australia’s worldwide partners are helping to open doors so more people have a brighter future. Thank you for supporting Caritas Australia – your assistance means we can continue supporting marginalised people in over 30 countries worldwide, and please remember that you can still donate to Project Compassion until 30 June 2013. Here’s a snapshot of school support around Australia.

A big thank you to everyone who pledged support for Ditosa and her community during Project Compassion. Her community in Mozambique was overjoyed to receive the pledge postcards.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA The 2013 South Australia school launch of Project Compassion was hosted by Cabra College, Cumberland Park, South Australia and was presided over by His Grace Archbishop Philip Wilson, who spoke to the audience about the special nature of the Lenten season and emphasised his support for the work that Caritas Australia is doing with the poorest of the poor. Students made clown masks, inspired by Raymundo from Bolivia. During the day, students and visitors also sampled dishes from the Caritas Café, washed their hands using a Tippy Tap and made their pledges for Lent.

QUEENSLAND In March, more than 500 students from Mount Carmel Primary School in the Brisbane suburb of Coorparoo joined their Federal Member for Griffith, The Hon Kevin Rudd MP to raise money for Project Compassion. Together they walked for water in solidarity with the world’s poor who often have to walk long distances to access water for their families.

helping us open doors

NSW In 2013, the staff and students from St Scholastica’s College in Glebe Point, Sydney are weaving Project Compassion activities throughout their school year. So far they’ve developed their own fundraising jigsaw puzzle, held a teachers’ baby photo guessing competition and created Project Compassion songs.

TASMANIA On Shrove Tuesday, a group of St Aloysius Catholic College, Huntingfield students cooked up a storm, selling over 200 pancakes to eager students. Over $170 was raised for Project Compassion.

VICTORIA In March, 1000 year 7, 8 and 9 students from Catholic College Bendigo’s La Valla campus, set off on their annual 11km Caritas Ks event. Walking, running and cycling, ‘Kilometres for Compassion’ in solidarity with the poor has become an enthusiastic tradition at the school. After the event, the students raised extra funds by setting up their own fundraising stalls and holding a concert on school grounds.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Bunbury Diocesan Director, Ray Lowe, flipped pancakes on Shrove Tuesday with great Project Compassion supporters, the staff and students at St Joseph’s Primary in Bunbury.

www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion

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Women make up 70 percent of the world’s poor. Poverty places women at greater risk of violence and human rights abuses.