By supporting education and development for those most marginalised, Catholic schools and the Australian community are helping to improve the lives of all members of our global family. Together, through Caritas Australia programs, we are building strong communities and transforming millions of lives.

Catholic Schools participate closely in the work of Caritas Australia, the international
humanitarian relief and development agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. In 2017, over 85% of Catholic Schools participated in Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten campaign, Project Compassion, with school students, their families, parishes and the Australian
community donating $11 million.

In 2018, the theme for Project Compassion is ‘A Just Future’ , inspiring students and the wider community to take up the gospel’s call to treat others as we wish to be treated and to create a more just society for all. This year, Project Compassion demonstrates how a just future for all demands that we empower the young to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Here is the story of Janaki from Nepal.

Janaki’s story – “Women who experience domestic violence and who are financially vulnerable are getting new hope in their life.”

Janaki is a young entrepreneur from Nepal, who has turned her life around. Growing up in a world of poverty and disadvantage, coupled with a forced marriage at the age of twelve, she was in a very vulnerable position. Even more so when her husband died just two years into their marriage. She’s now running her own successful sewing business and has become an inspirational community leader.

In 2015, Janaki joined a youth club formed by Caritas Australia partners, Caritas Nepal and the Ekata Foundation Surkhet, as part of the Children and Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP) which provides youth with job skills and income-generating projects. She took a loan from the youth club to purchase her first sewing machine.

Two years on, Janaki has 11 sewing machines and is running her own business, teaching others, and is considered a community role model.

“My confidence level has raised,” Janaki says. “I appreciate all those respected peoples of Australia who are supporting this wise cause. Through their help, women who experience domestic violence and who are financially vulnerable are getting new hope in their life. I thank them from bottom of my heart.”

Through your generosity during Project Compassion this year, you are empowering young people to build a just future for themselves, their families and their communities. A Just Future has started with your support!

Please donate to Project Compassion 2018 by calling 1800 024 413 or visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion