The theme for Project Compassion is For All Future Generations. This year, that theme asks us to think about the great yes that Mary said when the angel told her that she was to become the mother of Jesus. She freely accepted a unique place in the history of the human family. The great prayer she shared with her cousin Elizabeth, says ‘all generations will call me blessed.’ Her yes is ‘for all future generations.’ Hopefully, ours can be the same.

The support of Catholic schools and parishes helps us to continue our life-changing work in vulnerable communities around the world.

From livelihoods programs in Zimbabwe to disability support programs in Vietnam, Project Compassion 2023 shares the stories of resilient and inspiring individuals whose lives and futures have been impacted by the ongoing support of our partners and by your generosity.

One example of these is 16-year-old Laxmi, one lives in one of the most remote communities in Nepal which experiences high levels of poverty.

Laxmi’s chance at a better life was through education, supported by her parents. Sadly, when she was 10 years old, her father passed away and Laxmi stopped going to school.

Before her father’s passing, Laxmi joined a child’s club at her school that was run with the support of Caritas Nepal, through the Nepal Livelihoods and Resilience Program. Child’s clubs support students to develop their speaking, writing and leadership skills through extracurricular activities.

Thanks to the support of her child’s club, Laxmi was encouraged to resume her education. She became an active member of her child’s club, where she developed the skills and confidence to become a leader, advocating for clean water taps at her school.

“If I don’t get to study, then I’ll experience hardship. I’ll have to struggle like mother. If I don’t get to study, then I’ll have no knowledge,” Laxmi said. 

Laxmi is now excelling in her studies and working towards her dream of becoming a civil engineer. She has become a mentor to other girls in her village, encouraging them to stand up for their rights and creating lasting change For All Future Generations.

This Lent, your generosity helps us to continue to help lift vulnerable communities out of poverty – support that is needed now more than ever. Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow For All Future Generations.