The Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development

Help the world’s poorest people access and develop sustainable food sources for life.

Six countries. Six people. Six communities.

This year’s Project Compassion stories focus on the ways Caritas Australia is working around the world to help people have food for life.

“I invite you to make space in your heart… respecting the God-given rights of everyone to have food.” Adapted from Pope Francis, launch of the Caritas Internationalis ‘Food for all’ campaign, 2013

Eric and Ma live in Fiji. They joined in a Married Couples Course at the Caritas Australia supported Tutu Rural Training Centre (Tutu) 25 years ago. Now they have a farm where they grow and sell eggs, fruit and vegetables.

“I think we were blessed to be part of the program in Tutu. Without Tutu we wouldn’t be where we are now,” says Eric.

Mariama’s 2½ year old daughter, Fati was sick from being hungry. So they visited the Caritas Australia supported Nutrition Centre to receive the food and medicine Fati needs to get better.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Australian people for all their support to the Nutrition Centre,” Mariama says. “Without your help, the Sisters would not be able to support us and poor children like Fati.”

“Poverty in the world is a scandal. In a world where there is so much wealth, so many resources to feed everyone, it is not acceptable that there are so many hungry children.” ­Adapted, Pope Francis, Meeting with Students of Jesuit Schools, 2013.

Karen learnt the skills to manage her money and choose healthy, nutritious food for her family at the Caritas Australia supported Centacare program.

Karen and her twins preparing Johnny cakes together. “Now my kids eat healthy and they’re willing to try new foods,” Karen says. “I want them to be healthy and strong.”

“The common good embraces all. Those who are weak, vulnerable, and most in need deserve extra help.” Adapted from ‘Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship’, U.S. Catholic Bishops, 2007.

Sarita has three children and a husband. In 2007, Sarita joined the Caritas Australia supported Kolkatla Fish Raising Group. With the fish she catches and sells, Sarita can now share food with her family and village.

“This program embraced the poorest of the poor like us, gave us skills and supported us with funds to invest and make something of ourselves,” says Sarita.

“Ending hunger is […] the right thing to do.” Adapted from Mr. Graziano da Silva, FAO Director-General, UN Food and Agriculture Organization, 2013.

Cristian is a 33 year old farmer who lives in a village in the Andean mountains in Peru. He joined a Caritas Australia program to learn how to water his fields better. Now he grows lots of fruit and has more food and money for his family.

Cristian with his family, in front of their house. “…we are improving ourselves, with the help of Caritas,” says Cristian.

“I invite all of the institutions of the world, the Church, each of us, as one single human family, to give a voice to all of those who suffer silently from hunger, so that this voice becomes a roar which can shake the world.” Pope Francis, launch of the Caritas Internationalis ‘Food for all’ campaign, 2013.

Vinsen is a farmer in West Timor, Indonesia. Vinsen joined a Caritas Australia program so that he could learn new ways to grow food for his family in changing weather patterns.

“Before the program I was very anxious,” says Vinsen. “But now I do not worry. There is always cassava, banana and taro in the garden. We will not be hungry.”

“The […] changing climate [is] going to have serious effects on farming and water.” Adapted from William Sutton, World Bank Lead Economist, 2013

Growing, choosing and sharing sustainable Food For Life

Lord, we thank you for our daily bread. Give us the strength to take action and help our brothers and sisters around the world. We thank you for the work of Caritas Australia. We ask your blessing on vulnerable communities around the world that they may be able grow, share and have food for life. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen. Prayer

Join us in Project Compassion and support programs around that help people establish sustainable food sources for life.

Picture credits Fiji: Andrew Garrick and Drew Morrison Niger: Francois Therrien Australia:Danielle Lyonne Nepal:Stephen Kadlec PeruDrew Morrison Indonesia:Mie Cornoedus

The Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development