Religious News

Ronita is 22. She lives with her husband and two children in a barangay (local district) in Quezon City, which is situated in Metro Manila in the Philippines.  

Ronita left school when she became pregnant as a teenager. This could have had a life-long impact on her ability to find work and provide for her family but, thankfully, she heard about the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program run by the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ), Caritas Australia’s local partner in the Philippines. 

Through the FCJ, Ronita was able to re-enrol in her studies and continue learning in a safe and flexible environment – even with the arrival of her second child.

After completing her ALS classes, Ronita went on to earn her Grade 12 Senior High School Diploma. With her new diploma, Ronita has now secured a job at a call centre and is looking to a brighter future for her whole family.  

“I have now graduated senior school and I am so proud of myself,” she said. “I feel hopeful for the future… Now it’s not impossible for me to achieve my dream… Thank you.”   

Watch Ronita’s Story

We invite families to donate through Project Compassion donation boxes, located on the prayer table in each homegroup, or online by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion 

Photo: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia

If you would like more information, we invite you to watch a short film: Introduction to Project Compassion

God Bless,

Jess Wilson and Ally Brennan

Religious Education Leaders