Project Compassion

Last week the season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday, which also marked the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal, which aids the work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice.

During our RE learning time our students will be delving into Project Compassion and learning how we can put our faith into action. 

Each week Project Compassion provides us with stories of real people from around the world who are working with Project Compassion; empowering them to develop their strengths and create change in their own communities.

We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Each leaning space will receive a Project Compassion box and for their donations or you can donate online via the Caritas Australia website at: lent.caritas.org.au . All donations make a big difference.

Saint Oscar Romero is the inspiration for Project Compassion 2021, so in his words let’s “Aspire not to have more, but tobe more.”

First Week of Lent

We begin our Project compassion journey by learning about the story of Jamila and her family. Jamila is a 22 year old single mother and is a Rohingya woman, she lives in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Jamila fled armed conflict in Myanmar to save herself, her elderly mother and eight-month-old baby. 

With the support of Caritas Australia, through Caritas Bangladesh, Jamila was able to access emergency food and shelter. She also received counselling, emotional support and learnt sewing skills, to help her earn an income. 

Jamila now feels less alone, with a sense of community around her. She is able to ‘Be More’ to her family.  

Watch a short film about Jamila’s storyhere.

 “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”