Caritasnews magazine, Winter 2012

No 129 winter 2012

Walk As One Campaign Connecting with our world’s Indigenous Peoples “It’s important to me, my culture” From the Outback to the Amazon Project Compassion Thank you for making 2012 a success

1800 024 413 www.caritas.org.au

FROM THE CEO Photo: Richard Wainwright

On 9 August every year, we observe the United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. The purpose is to promote and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous population.

This day is particularly significant if we consider that Indigenous Peoples represent up to 15 percent of the world’s poor, and an even higher percentage of the world’s extremely poor rural population. We must ask ourselves why this is the case, when Indigenous Peoples represent only five percent of the global population. Why is extreme poverty more prevalent in Indigenous communities than others?

In answering such questions, Caritas Australia draws on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), seeking the creation of a world that God desires to be just and compassionate. CST calls us to promote the human dignity of each person, regardless of race, religion or cultural belief.

On 23 August, we will be launching our 2012 advocacy campaign Walk As One: connecting with our world’s Indigenous Peoples. This launch is very timely for us – as 2012 also marks the 40th anniversary of Caritas’ Australian Indigenous program.

Throughout this campaign, we will be calling on governments, businesses and individuals to help improve the rights and recognition of Indigenous Peoples, with particular reference to Australia’s overseas aid program, land rights, health, education, employment opportunities and social justice.

For more about this campaign, please visit www.caritas.org.au/walkasone In other news, this year is also one of goodbyes. Although I much prefer to say, “See you soon” to National Council Chairman, Archbishop Adrian Leo Doyle AM DD (Hobart). Ordained a priest in 1961 in Rome, Archbishop Doyle was Deputy Chairman from 1998-2003 and then Chairman. He has been a wonderful inspiration to me in my time here at the agency.

On behalf of Caritas Australia, I wish Archbishop Doyle all the best for 2012 and beyond, and offer my welcome to the next Chairman, Archbishop of Adelaide, Philip Wilson, and two Deputy Chairs – Bishop of Darwin, Eugene Hurley and Bishop of Port Pirie, Greg O’Kelly SJ AM.

Project Compassion helps us reach the poorest of the poor, right across the world, including Bolivia in Latin America.

thank you Project Compassion is an extraordinary, ongoing demonstration of the faith, love and generosity of the Catholic congregation and caring supporters throughout Australia.

Funds you have raised support longterm development and help save lives around the globe.

In February 2012, our brand new website went live. An exciting time for everyone at Caritas Australia, we’d like to thank you for engaging with us online. Updated daily, the website and Facebook are a great way to keep in touch with us. To receive regular updates in your inbox, please sign up to our e-newsletters.

Till next time,

contents

Jack de Groot, CEO For the latest news, events and updates head to:

03 2012-13 CAMPAIGN: WALK AS ONE

Twitter: www.twitter.com/CaritasAust Facebook: www.caritas.org.au/facebook YouTube: www.youtube.com/CaritasAustralia Our website: www.caritas.org.au

04 ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIANS IN BOLIVIA 06 SUNDAR CHILD CLUB: NEPAL

If you’d like to know more, please call 1800 024 413 (toll free).

Our phones operate from 9.00am to 5.00pm AEST Monday to Friday.

Cover: Scott Hall (left) and Major Cameron live in Beswick (Wugularr) on the traditional country of the Jawoyn people in south-west Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. They are pictured in Bolivia, Latin America. Photo: Richard Wainwright All photos Caritas Australia unless otherwise stated.

Caritas Australia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land.

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07 KABIHUGS’ HOPE: CAMARINES NORTE, PHILIPPINES 08 NURSERY RHYMES PROGRAM: SOLOMON ISLANDS 09 WESTERN DESERT: INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA 10 WEST AFRICA CRISIS APPEAL 11 CARITAS COMMUNITY: PROJECT COMPASSION 2012

CARITAS CAMPAIGN 2012-13

connecting with our world’s Indigenous Peoples Two faces of our 2012-13 advocacy campaign Walk As One: connecting with our World’s Indigenous Peoples are Scott Hall and Major Cameron. Young Aboriginal men from Beswick (Wugularr) in the Northern Territory, they recently travelled to Bolivia in Latin America. What happened there was life-changing. audience specifically with Indigenous Their unique and powerful story voices and experiences from remote has been captured as a short film Australia and Amazonian Bolivia.” which will be released later this year.

In presenting these stories, Caritas Alexandra Engel, Caritas Australia Australia is hoping to develop Campaigns Coordinator, gives us a understanding and sneak preview. break down some of “The film explores You are invited! the barriers which the similar On 25-26 August 2012, currently exist historical injustices Caritas Australia between Indigenous and challenges Will be hosting and non-Indigenous experienced by communities.

Indigenous Peoples the inaugural “It also aims to around the world in walk as one forum, highlight that social, cultural and bringing together Indigenous Peoples political spheres. indigenous and nonhave an immense It also presents indigenous delegates capacity to respond the valuable and to exchange ideas when given the space positive contribution to take responsibility that Indigenous and create positive for programs driven communities have to change. To register by their own cultural offer non-Indigenous or find out more, concerns and communities,” said head to www.caritas. economic needs. That Alexandra. org.au/walkasone is, the benefits and “Through the lens importance of bottomof Scott and Major’s up community-led approaches to experience, the stories of Caritas’ development,” she said. partners – Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Scott and Major’s full story will be Corporation in Australia’s outback and launched in August this year. To preCINEP (The Centre for Research and order your free copy of the film and Popular Education) in Latin America Walk As One campaign kit, please visit – and the communities they work www.caritas.org.au/walkasone today. with, this short film will connect the

Happy Anniversary! 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of Caritas’ Australian Indigenous program. While the majority of our work extends beyond Australia’s shores, we acknowledge that, as an Australian agency, we must also be committed to addressing issues of poverty and injustice at home. As such, we are honoured to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Australia.

It’s a long way from Beswick to Bolivia.

Scott is travelling in the Amazon Basin, Cochabamba with a Yuracaré community guide from our ethno ecotourism project.

Photo: Richard Wainwright

Dates for your diary 1 to 8 July: NAIDOC Week NAIDOC stands for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. It is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields. www.naidoc.org.au 9 August: The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People A United Nations (UN) declared day observed on 9 August each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous Peoples. This year’s focus is ‘Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future’.

25 September: Deadly Awards The Deadly Awards recognise the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to their community and to Australian society. Last year’s winners include Jessica Mauboy and Deborah Mailman. www.vibe.com.au/deadlys

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CARITAS CAMPAIGN 2012-13

DESTINATION BOLIVIA: from the OUTBACK TO the AMAZON Scott Hall and Major Cameron’s story begins in the community of Beswick (Wugularr), south-west Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, at the Ghunmarn Culture Centre.

A few months ago, both men travelled to Bolivia with Caritas Australia to meet and share experiences with the local Indigenous communities. Although Bolivia is thousands of miles away from Beswick, it’s much closer when it comes to challenges facing Indigenous Peoples.

The Ghunmarn Culture Centre is an Aboriginal owned and run arts space which maintains, develops and promotes Indigenous art and culture.

Run by Caritas Australia partner, Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation, it is situated in Beswick (Wugularr) on the traditional country of the Jawoyn people.

A popular tourist attraction and provider of much needed local employment, the Centre’s main focus is to preserve cultural knowledge by teaching young people about bush foods, traditional medicines and dance.

Multimedia and filmmaking skills are also taught, which encourages these same young people to tell their own stories and that of the Elders within their community. These stories are often told in local languages. For many, including Scott and Major, English is a sixth or seventh language.

Many of Beswick’s residents are descendants of workers at the Maranboy tin mine, or of Beswick Cattle Station. The community of Beswick was historically part of the Beswick Creek Native Settlement (which later divided into

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Major (left) and Scott in their hometown of Beswick. They were looking forward to meeting Bolivian Indigenous communities, to learn about their way of life – their culture and their challenges.

Beswick and Barunga Communities), created by the Northern Territory Government in the 1950s. The Settlement has been described as a ‘de facto prison farm’; the movement of Aboriginal people was restricted, access to money denied and racially based legislation restricted their human rights. Many children were forcibly removed from their families; with the view they would be ‘better off’ brought up in non-Aboriginal institutions.

With this painful legacy of intervention and violence as a backdrop, Beswick today is a community struggling with many challenges. Good employment and educational opportunities are few and far between, traditional languages are being lost and many social structures have broken down.

In the face of such challenges, the importance of organisations like Djilpin

Arts and the Ghunmarn Culture Centre, becomes even clearer.

Scott: “The culture, it’s more important to us ‘cause we love our culture, we got ceremony, culture, songs, we got everything,” said Scott.

Married with a three-month-old son, Scott grew up in Beswick and attended school until Year 10, when he left to continue his love for art.

“First year I was working here, I was doing art, painting, canvas, a little carving, just follow footsteps, just like my father… “ Major: “It’s important to me, my culture, because my eldest mob brought the culture in this area, so we can’t let that ceremony go down, we have to let it keep building, all the way,” said Major.

Married with five children, Major is not only teaching his kids about the local culture, he’s helping to strengthen the community through his work with Djilpin.

Bolivia

AT A GLANCE

Nelson Galindo, ethno ecotourism local Project Coordinator, welcomed Scott and Major into his community. “… Like you, we are Indigenous People of this land.”

Photos: Richard Wainwright

Bolivia is considered the poorest country in Latin America. Despite a wealth of natural and mineral resources, 30 percent of the country’s 10 million people live on less than $2 a day. Bolivia has over 36 different Indigenous groups; each with a distinct language, culture and identity.

Population: 8,922,000

Area: 1,098,581 km² on basic services, infrastructure, and Right around the world, there are Capital: La Paz conservation initiatives. It also provides Indigenous communities, just like in Official languages: Spanish, Quechua, much needed local employment and Beswick, that have similarly rich cultural Aymará training opportunities, while valuing and knowledge and traditions to offer their Currency: Boliviano strengthening the community’s strong ties broader communities and nations. to land, language and cultural traditions.

However, they also face common issues of marginalisation and discrimination, Caritas funding 2010/2011: including lack of land rights, poor access to Restoring Tradition AU $347,063 “I value my culture because we can take education and healthcare, and disrespect our storylines back through generations for their cultural and legal traditions. and generations, even though my Scott and Major then played the ancestors couldn’t read and Bolivian Life didgeridoo (yidaki), sang and danced for write, the culture was passed Bolivia is home to one “The culture, the community.

They were proud and on in story,” said Nelson of the largest Indigenous it’s more excited to share their culture.

Galindo, ethno ecotourism populations in the world important to us “They [the locals] were really proud and local Project Coordinator. with over 36 different ‘cause we love that hit their hearts and minds,” said Nelson is helping to groups. Some of the our culture, we restore hope and pride to Scott. “And they was thinking for their most marginalised culture, ‘cause they all lost some of it, got ceremony, the Yuracaré so their human of these, such as the their cultures. It’s good. I’m not shamed dignity and rights can be Yuracaré people, live culture, ‘cause I’m out here to teach my traditional realised.

Elders are being in the Department songs, we got way, lore, culture, that’s what we do back encouraged to share their of Cochabamba, everything” at home, we touring around and we don’t wisdom about medicines central Bolivia. The get shy. We just get up and show them and craft; traditional community faces many action, and show how the experience practices and industry such as chocolate challenges including lack of basic health goes for the traditional way,” said Scott. making are also supported. services, educational and employment “Like we do in Beswick.”

On Scott and Major’s first night, a opportunities, and protection of their “Yeah I feel a little bit sad to go [home] customary fire was built and Nelson land and cultural traditions from external … maybe next time they might want me welcomed them into the community. influences and agendas. back to come and share my culture again It was the first time that Indigenous Caritas Australia works in partnership with the people,” added Major. representatives from another country with CINEP, a local non-profit Read more about Djilpin Arts at had visited the Yuracaré People. “In organisation. This group aims to construct www.djilpinarts.org.au the first place I’d like to thank the alternatives that promote peace and For more on the ethno Indigenous Australians, and to give you a development as well as a greater respect ecotourism project, head to big welcome… because like you, we are for human rights and the enhancement of www.caritas.org.au/ecotourism Indigenous People of this land.” democracy.

The Yuracaré community has been working with CINEP to establish an act ethno ecotourism project on their land.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WALK AS ONE, HEAD TO The project’s goal is to enhance the living conditions of the community by WWW.CARITAS.ORG.AU/WALKASONE generating money which can be spent

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South Asia: Nepal

A Leading Role Leela, 15, enjoys going to school, however a year ago life took a different turn when her father arranged for her to marry. What happened next is a testament to her strength of spirit. Arpana Karki, Caritas Nepal’s Peace Desk Program Coordinator, tells her story.

Sundar Child Club Leela’s school is one of 48 (in 10 districts) that have a Caritas Nepal Child Club as a co-curricular activity.

These clubs were established for a number of reasons: • To address the wholesome growth of children • Develop leadership • Increase their involvement in advocating for their own rights • Discuss issues such as child labour and early marriage.

They do these through activities such as essay competitions, debates, peacebuilding activities, rallies, campaigns and street theatre. So after a month of soul-searching, Leela decided to approach them.

Leela shared her problem with the other Sundar Child Club members, and after a long discussion they set about organising a play under the theme ‘Consequences of early marriage and importance of education for a

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girl child’. A week later, with Leela in the lead role as a young girl who gets married at an early age, they performed for their parents and the local community.

Street Theatre’s Importance As the drama unfolded, Leela’s character told of the plights of females who marry early, such as denial to further education, domestic violence, abandonment (later her husband may leave to further his studies and remarry), mental and emotional stress (the females are often not old enough to cope with maternal, marital or inlaw issues) and additional household chores.

Leela’s father watched, and much to her surprise, was convinced that she needed to pursue further education.

Even more – that she should get married only when she is ready for it!

Leela feels that her life is better now.

She is able to continue going to school and is able to continue being a child club member. She does want to get married one day, but only after she finishes her studies and becomes a teacher.

“If I ever happen to have a daughter, I want to give her a good education and

Nepali Civil War Nepal is the poorest and least developed country in South Asia.

The decade-long Nepali Civil War between government forces and Maoists killed over 12,000 people.

Although a peace settlement was declared, inequality, discrimination and lack of basic services – all factors which contributed to the conflict – are still widespread.

“If I ever happen to have a daughter, I want to give her a good education and help her to be independent.”

help her to be independent. I hope to earn more in the future and will try to send my children to an urban area to get a better education,” she said.

Street drama training is very popular and so far 1,227 students have taken part (including 563 females).

Leela loves performing street drama on social issues. Other themes include the importance of female education, alcoholism and its effect, and the importance of mediation centres (which have been set up to help maintain peace and harmony among the communities).

After this training, female and male students are more confident. It also encourages them to take part in school cultural activities and perform better in their daily life.

DONATE Your donations support Caritas Nepal’s Child Clubs and offer hope to Nepalese children.

Photo: Caritas Nepal

Leela was born into an Indigenous group known as Magar, who originate from the western and central areas of Nepal. Now in Grade 9 at secondary school in the Bajura District, Leela’s mother was killed during the Nepali Civil War (1996-2006), so she lives with her father, step-mother and half-brothers.

Leela has a pleasant personality and is a very studious student. However when she turned 14, she had a serious problem to face.

Her father had arranged her wedding to an 18-year-old man living in an adjacent village. Leela was very unhappy, felt lonely and struggled internally. She was scared to say anything to her parents and did not have peace within herself.

South East Asia: Philippines

Kabihugs’ Hope In the Camarines Norte Province of the Philippines, Caritas Australia is helping to improve the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of the Kabihug people. Kath Rosic, Program Coordinator, South East Asia, explains.

“At all times culture is taken into consideration,” said Kath. “One component of the project is to try to claim more ancestral land for the Kabihugs which is an ongoing challenge.”

An example of this is Caritas’ support for Kabihug claims over ancestral domains and the preservation of Indigenous culture. The Kabihugs have been successful in gaining land entitlements with over 1,400 people benefiting from the granting of 22 hectares of ancestral land in Osmena.

Eventually, the program aims to help the Kabihug people overcome any sense of inferiority brought about by the discrimination and marginalisation they have experienced from the government and

“They are deeply attached to land and nature, which is valued as a source of their life and their culture” “The Indigenous people of Camarines Norte, or Kabihugs, live a hand to mouth existence. They are primarily hunters and gatherers. They are also deeply attached to land and nature, which is valued as a source of their life and their culture.”

The Kabihugs make up the poorest of the poor in the area of Camarines Norte.

Traditionally nomadic, they have been pressured by landowners to move deeper and deeper into the hinterland, where it is difficult for them to collect food. This forcible retreat has rendered them outside the reach of government services, such as education and primary healthcare.

Thus, health and sanitation are severely neglected and there is a lack of safe drinking water.

“The Kabihugs are a very marginalised and vulnerable group that require additional support to meet their daily needs.”

In 2008, we began working with the Kabihugs through local partner SPACFI* (Caritas Daet). The program seeks to address the most immediate needs of the Kabihugs through a holistic approach, while addressing their long-term development needs.

“The program provides skills that allow them to work their land. Some of the men sell their labour to work in the fields for landlords and many are now involved in our funded program. The women are great traditional weavers and also do farming, fishing and collecting crabs. The community is also involved in livelihood practices such as swine, vegetable, rattan, vermiculture and aquapond production, as well as native plants and honey bee production,” said Kath.

A large emphasis of the project is placed on cultural learnings, and Elders come together to share their history, experiences and discuss leadership in ancestral land. Each October an Indigenous Peoples Week celebration is held and children are encouraged to draw cultural murals as part of cultural activities.

The program also works long-term by tackling development challenges and changing discriminatory attitudes toward Indigenous peoples. By providing the Kabihugs with a full understanding of their rights and offering adult education, they will be better able to access social services and development facilities.

wider community. A strengthened sense of self-esteem will enable the Kabihugs to integrate into mainstream society while still keeping their Indigenous culture.

“The Kabihugs are an amazingly peaceful and generous community… I am always very warmly welcomed and although we don’t speak the same language, I feel that we are able to make strong connections with each other,” said Kath. *SOCIO-PASTORAL ACTION CENTER FOUNDATION, INC (SPACFI)

LEARN Our development approach promotes the dignity of the human person, equality between every person, and the common good of all people in the community. Click on ‘Learn’ on our website for more.

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The Pacific: Solomon Islands

How Nursery Rhymes Save Lives School age children are especially vulnerable in emergency situations.

In 2010, a unique program was created for Indigenous communities.

Caritas Australia’s Adam Elliott, Program Manager Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, tells us more.

After a string of natural disasters in the Pacific, including an earthquake and Kindergarten students with teacher Martina from Bishop Epalle School tsunami in the Solomon Islands and ready to perform the nursery rhymes and actions at the 2011 World Samoa (2007 and 2009 respectively), Disaster Risk Reduction Day pageant in Honiara, Solomon Islands. we needed to devise a way to help children cope in a earthquake and tsunami.

FLOOD SONG disaster situation.

“We discussed the However this program (to the tune of This is the Day that the Lord As most disasters most prevalent has Made) have occurred early in risks that confront can accommodate a much broader range of River hem flood. River hem flood. the morning when the the Solomon Islands emergency scenarios, such Yumi run away – Up to higher ground children are at school and identified four: as civil unrest and fire.

River hem flood. River hem flood. (often a 1-2km walk) cyclone, flood, We wanted children Yu no stay en drown – Yumi run on top. and away from their to be aware of what’s Olketa hurry – yumi run away. direct families, it was earthquake and happening and look Up to the hill and the mountain top. important to develop a tsunami” to their teacher for River hem flood. River hem flood. child-friendly program Yumi run away. so they knew what to do in an emergency. leadership. The Ministry of Education We have since made follow-up visits to So we thought, why not put instructions endorsed activities target early childhood educators, kindergarten and lower the schools and what’s great is that all the to music? This is how the idea of a primary school; however older students target students have learnt the songs. They nursery rhyme program came about. enjoy them as well. are singing them and doing the actions, and Along with the National Disaster The activity works by firstly identifying they are able to answer questions about Management Office (NDMO), we simple and memorable tunes, and then what to do during an emergency scenario. discussed the most prevalent risks We also heard that children outside the changing the words and creating actions. that confront the Solomon Islands target areas are singing the songs too.

For example: and identified four: cyclone, flood,

ACT Stay informed about what’s happening in the Solomon Islands and other countries we work in by subscribing to our e-newsletter at: WWW.CARITAS.ORG.AU/SUBSCRIBE

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Playtime helps too We printed cartoons of the emergency scenarios: cyclone, flood, earthquake and tsunami on the children’s soccer balls. As well as singing the songs and accompanying actions, kids are encouraged to play games using the balls. This helps to further familiarise them with the themes.

Indigenous Australia

Making all our Families Well One of our newest partners is a grassroots organisation that is strengthening remote Australian Indigenous communities and making a real difference to improve the lives of those with renal (kidney) failure.

Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corp (WDNWPT) loosely translates to ‘Making all our families well’.

Located in The Purple House* at Alice Springs, this organisation supports dialysis patients suffering end stage renal failure, who have been dislocated from their country and culture, to receive treatment at urban hospitals.

A lack of health services, education and good nutrition often results in renal failure which is a condition of Type 2 diabetes, endemic in Aboriginal communities.

For cultural continuity and wellbeing, the patients need to maintain their connections to home.

“Making all our families well is the foundation of what happens through WDNWPT and is our underlying philosophy – our mission statement,” said Michelle Sweet, Wellbeing Coordinator.

“Relationship and family are central to the people we work with and who run this organisation.”

Photo: Michelle Sweet

History of WDNWPT In the 1990s, an increasing number of people from the Western Desert were

forced to move to Alice Springs for renal dialysis treatment. These people were missing home and their families.

As a result of dislocation and the consequent loss of cultural engagement and connection to family and country, the patients felt an increasing sense of sadness and loss.

In 2000, after a very successful auction of Australian Aboriginal art at the Art Gallery of NSW, WDNWPT started their ‘Return to Country’ program, getting people home for overnight visits between dialysis treatments.

In August 2004, the organisation opened the first remote renal dialysis clinic in Central Australia at Walungurru (Kintore). There are now clinics at Ntaria (Hermannsburg) and Yuendumu.

Plans are well advanced for a service in Lajamanu, with three years of Aboriginal Benefits Account (ABA) funding available.

In 2011, WDNWPT launched their Purple Truck. Funded by Medicines Australia, the truck, complete with dialysis machine on board, is able to travel to remote communities across Central Australia regardless of state and territory borders.

For cultural continuity and wellbeing, the patients need to maintain their connections to home.

Five social determinants of health For cultural continuity and wellbeing, the patients who range in age from 23-75 need to return home. Not only for their own sense of self, but as they possess the richest understanding and knowledge of language and traditional culture, they are responsible for transferring that knowledge to younger generations.

“We understand in Pintupi society there are five social determinants of health,” said Michelle. “And they are: ngurra (connected to land), walytja (connected with family), tjukurrpa (living in the dreaming), kulyintjaku (process of listening and learning) and nintintjaku (knowledge, or knowing).

“Without these things, people don’t feel healthy. In hospital, people feel lonely and sick because they are not on country, they are away from family, away from their dreaming stories, unable to perform songs and dances, unable to teach their kids and disconnected from the ‘knowing’ and sharing.”

For more information, please head to www.wdnwpt.org.au *The Purple House was gifted to the organisation in 2007 by the Kintore Council.

What was an abandoned building now has four dialysis machines, a community kitchen and a three bedroom house.

LEARN A naturopath, Michelle sweet has assisted the dialysis patients with a social enterprise; focusing on the production of bush balms. More details can be found at www.wdnwpt.org.au Dialysis patients, Helen Martin, Maringka Bennet and Goodwin Wangka on a bush picnic.

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Caritas Appeal

West Africa Crisis Appeal

Nine nations and more than 15 million men, women and children are on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe as severe droughts, poor harvests, conflict and rising food prices cripple West Africa.

In 2011, with support from the Australian Government and the Australian community, over $7 million was raised for our East Africa appeal. In 2012, another crisis has been looming in recent months with the nations of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Chad, Mauritania, northern Nigeria and northern Cameroon facing severe food insecurity.

The Caritas confederation of over 160 Catholic aid agencies is mobilising to meet their needs in this large scale humanitarian emergency. “The situation is grave, but if we act now it is not too late to prevent a major humanitarian crisis,” said Caritas Internationalis President Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga.

Due to the magnitude of the crisis, Caritas Australia has opened a West Africa Crisis Appeal. But why is this happening in the first place? Caritas Internationalis has provided this Q&A. What is the humanitarian situation in West Africa’s Sahel region?

More than 15 million people will face acute food shortages in the Sahel region of West Africa unless early and effective action is taken now to prevent the crisis.

People in Niger, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad are already suffering from a lack of food with the ‘lean’ season still to come. In the worst affected areas, people have already started to ration food to one meal a day, sell off cattle or leave their farms for urban centres.

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Didn’t West Africa just have a food crisis?

The current crisis is not new. It’s the third drought to have affected the region in 10 years. There were serious food crises in 2005 and 2010. Changing weather patterns and extreme weather conditions have made traditional rain-fed agriculture unsustainable.

Prediction of a crisis this year has led aid agencies and regional governments to ring the alarm bells early. It only costs $1 to prevent malnutrition for a person, but it costs $80 to treat that person after malnutrition has developed.

What does the Catholic Church say about the gravity of the situation?

“The Sahel is seriously threatened again in recent months by a notable decrease in food resources,” said Pope Benedict XVI in February, adding that the food crisis has been caused by a lack of rain and increasing desertification. “I urge the

food and other assistance to the most vulnerable. Caritas will concentrate on providing infants and new mothers with enough food.

The work is aimed at keeping people with enough food but also at preventing them from turning to harmful survival tactics (if a farmer leaves his land to find food in the city, there will be nobody to plant for next season). Caritas will give support such as seeds so small scale farmers can plant for next year.

Before, during and after the headlines Caritas is committed to helping West African communities in need.

DONATE The West Africa Crisis Appeal is now open.

Head to our website or call 1800 024 413.

Photo: CRS

What has led to a food crisis in West Africa?

Poor rains and drought last year and pest infestation means this year’s harvest will not produce enough food. A spike

in regional food prices has left people struggling to cover the gap in what they produce and what they need to buy.

Malian refugees receiving hygiene kits from Caritas Internationalis Fighting in northern Mali between the member, Catholic Relief Services army and a rebel group has forced more (CRS) in Niger. CRS is distributing than 170,000 people to flee their homes. around 2,000 hygiene kits to families.

Half have fled to other areas inside Mali and the rest to Niger, Burkina Faso and Mauritania. The refugees international community to “The situation arrive with nothing. They seriously address the extreme are being hosted by families is grave, but if poverty of these people we act now it is whose living conditions are in areas already struggling to cope with a lack of not too late to deteriorating.” resources. prevent a major Economic migrants What is the Church and humanitarian returning from war-torn Caritas’ Response? crisis” Libya and Cote D’Ivoire are Caritas members working in adding to the burden on the region have already launched appeals resources. to support emergency programs providing

Project Compassion 2012

Thank you for your Compassion Every year, Caritas Australia asks that you support Project Compassion. And every year we are blown away by your support. Thanks to you, what started in 1966 as a small fundraiser has now become one of the largest humanitarian fundraising campaigns in Australia.

It is an extraordinary, ongoing demonstration of the faith, love and generosity of the Catholic congregation and caring supporters throughout Australia. Funds you have raised support long-term development and help save lives around the globe.

The stories we have shared humble and inspire us, and show how your contributions to Project Compassion help people build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities.

“Thank you for organising events and raising much-needed dollars, thank you for praying for the poorest of the poor, thank you for spreading the word, thank you for sending us photos and thank you for all your well wishes,” said Jack de Groot, CEO, Caritas Australia.

There are way too many people to thank individually, so here’s a snapshot: Brisbane Launch: Attended by former Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin Rudd, Sister Joan Doyle RSM, Jack de Groot and Brigidine College student Tess David, 16, Project Compassion was launched at Brisbane’s Queen St Mall. Thanks to Tricia Ryan for pulling all this together.

Caritas Ks: Counting their kilometres to help end poverty were Port Adelaide Power footballers and Chris Bowen, Federal Minister for Immigration. In just one week, Mr Bowen covered more than 38km and raised $650.

Dress for Peace Day: Using the Pope Paul VI message as inspiration, ‘If you want Peace, work for Justice’, St Anthony’s School at Alexandra Hills, Qld added a ‘Dress for Peace Day’ to their fundraising efforts.

St Anthony's Principal, Martyn Savage, and students get into the spirit at Dress for Peace Day.

"It was so good to do something I enjoy and challenge myself, and raise some money for Caritas during Lent,” said Deirdre.

Fish Friday: At Martin Place in Sydney’s CBD, Peter Doyle @ the Quay and his team of talented chefs cooked BBQ fish meals, while Harris Farm donated bottles of water.

Over $3,000 was raised on the day!

Lemonade Stall: Well done to Eve Gascoigne who made and sold lemonade from home on Easter Monday. Eve collected $52 and placed the money inside the Project Compassion Box at Ursula Frayne Catholic College, Victoria Park, WA. Paint your Nails Purple for Peace: The Vinnies group at St Aloysius in Huntingfield, Tasmania organised a ‘Paint your Nails Purple for Peace’ fundraiser.

Students paid a gold coin donation for plain purple nails or $3 for designer crackle nails, with $200 raised in 20 minutes!

Swimming Challenge: Deirdre Wright from St Francis Xavier Parish, Armadale WA raised $324.50 by swimming 42 laps of her local pool. “It was the farthest I’d ever swum!” she said.

The Paint your Nails Purple for Peace fundraiser at St Aloysius was so successful, they plan to run it again next year!

A special mention must go to Kevin Rudd and his many passionate Twitter supporters. Thank you for your great Project Compassion messages and for continuing to spread the word.

Although the Lenten season is over, you can donate to Project Compassion until 30 June 2012. Last year we raised $9.7 million… please help us reach our target of $10 million!

Thank you for embracing Project Compassion 2012, from all at Caritas Australia. For more updates, please head to our Facebook and Twitter pages.

ACT Please continue uploading your messages and photos to Facebook and Twitter, and sending your updates to projectcompassion@caritas.org.au

winter 2012

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11

A legacy

of love “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

The word “Caritas” means ‘love and compassion’, qualities that are exemplified by our Caritas supporters.

Without your kindness and generosity we simply couldn’t continue our work with the poorest and most marginalised communities around the world.

Now there is another way you can support Caritas Australia. A way which won’t cost you one cent today, but will ensure that Caritas Australia can continue its transformational work well into the future.

Making a will and naming Caritas Australia as a beneficiary of your Estate, is the ultimate way to support a cause that you have cared about during your lifetime.

This is a gift which will ensure a real and lasting difference for generations to come; this is a gift which will last.

A Gift in your Will to Caritas Australia really is a Legacy of Love.

Your details Donor Number (if known)

Name

Miss

Mrs

Mr or

other ___________

Address

Please telephone me to discuss including Caritas Australia in my Will I have already remembered Caritas Australia in my Will I have decided not to include Caritas Australia in my Will.

Privacy Statement: The information provided by you will only be used for the purpose of giving you information about Caritas Australia.

Suburb

State

Phone

Parish

Email

Postcode

Photographer/Copyright : Paul Jeffrey

Please send me information about including Caritas Australia in my Will

Ms