DECEMBER 2020 - Mary Ward International Australia
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
DECEMBER 2020
Reflection CONTENTS 2020...
~ by Anne Muirhead
a year like
For God loves a cheerful giver…
~ St Paul
Message from the EO
Global Project Snapshot
3
4
few before.
L
Supporting Empowering Projects ike me, you potentially spent much of lasting legacy of Mary Ward, the power of
It is in giving that we receive…
it glued to all manner of screens as our global network, and the role of all who
~ St Francis
Generosity Makes Life fire ravaged across our country, only are a part of it. All that has been, and will
and Hope Go Round 6 to be surpassed by a virus that itself spread continue to be achieved, is a tribute to each
Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous, By Sr Margaret Mary Flynn ibvm like global wildfire. This year has led many of of you who contribute in so many ways.
to give without counting the cost… us to introspection, to rethink our individual The seeds of our community are often
purpose and what matters most. planted and nurtured within the Loreto
~ St Ignatius of Loyola 113 Years of Connection 8
For some, myself included, it has led classrooms. I congratulate and thank our
By Madeleine Carter
to new opportunities. Joining the Loreto Loreto students, teachers and alumni
As we approach Christmas, the great network has been a joy and a privilege, for their incredible fundraising efforts,
season of giving, these three wise men Something More Than Ordinary 9 picking up the baton from Kim Nass, who particularly while in lockdown! As the young
highlight the gift that is giving. By Francesca Torcasio Barberis continues on new adventures. I have been so often show us, we all have a role to play as
greeted with warmth, generosity and we work toward a common vision. To quote
Amphan Devastation 10 awe-inspiring smarts and resilience from all anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never
In a year that has seen front-line
By Sr Monica Suchiang ibvm in this global community. doubt that a small group of thoughtful
medical workers give their very lives to This edition of Sustain demonstrates committed citizens can change the world.
care for those afflicted, we are invited
Thank You for Caring 11 the breadth and impact of this community Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
to ponder the paradox of giving and of which you are part. Deeply engaged in I thank you all for so warmly welcoming
Pandemic Response Impact by Michelle Gale
receiving in and with love. We continue both MWIA and Loreto Kirribilli, Madeleine me into your community, the Loreto and
to receive so much from unexpected reflects on this bond, which for some, like MWIA family. I wish you good health,
Mary Ward Health
the Victorian family featured, has been happiness and love over the Christmas
people across these pandemic days Centre Rumbek 12 “a consistent thread through their lives”. period, and I look forward to all that we will
and are humbled by simple acts of An Interview with Sr Orla Treacy ibvm As Sr Orla shares from South Sudan, it is achieve together in 2021.
generosity. this sense of community that has kept her
Schools in Solidarity 14 strong when faced with adversity. Warmly,
It is to you, with gratitude for your By Anne Muirhead Both Srs Orla and Margaret Mary, while
giving, that all of us at MWIA dedicate living oceans apart, share stories of how
Donate16 this generosity of spirit, which is at the core
this edition of Sustain.
of this community, directly translates into
Help Make a Better Future Possible this Christmas
tangible impact and positive change in Hannah George
people’s lives. Their stories demonstrate the Executive Officer
COVER* ABOUT US Mary Ward International MARY WARD ACCOUNTABILITY
Australia respectfully
Children learning Mary Ward International Australia is a
INTERNATIONAL AUSTRALIA AND ACCREDITATION
acknowledges all
in the Brickfields registered charity and is the Australian Traditional Custodians of the land and PO Box 4082, Auburn South, VIC 3122 MWIA is a full member of the Australian Council
school project. and global development organisation waters of Australia. We pay respect Ph: 03 9813 4023 E: mwiaustralia@loreto.org.au for International Development (ACFID). We are
of the Loreto Sisters. Our Mission is to their Elders, past and present, and www.mwia.org.au B V F committed and fully adhere to the ACFID Code of
to support the development works young leaders of today and the future. Conduct, managing our work with transparency,
associated with the Loreto Sisters and Mary Ward International Australia Executive Officer: Hannah George accountability and integrity. MWIA is an approved
*Consent for all imagery of
their colleagues as they empower women commits itself to the ongoing work of Ph: 0448 393 479 E: hannah.george@loreto.org.au organisation under the Overseas Aid Gift Deduction
children and young people
used in this publication to transform structures and systems that reconciliation with our First Nations Art Direction & Les Hallack Creative Scheme (OAGDS) and endorsed by the Australian
has been received. keep them oppressed and marginalised. families and communities. Graphic Design: www.leshallack.com Taxation Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient.
2 3
TICK OF CHARITY REGISTRATION (REGISTERED CHARITY TICK
Sustain December 2020 Sustain is printed in Australia on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, using sustainable printing practices. VISUAL BRAND
Mary Ward International Australia
GUIDELINES
Global Snapshot
PROJECTS 2020-2021
FUNDING NEED
AUSTR A LI A :
• Eliminating Forced Marriage
(ACRATH) | $46,200
• The Bourke Men’s Centre
(CatholicCare) | $20,000
• Right Bite Program
(House of Welcome) | $4,000
INDIA:
• Darjeeling Mary Ward Social
Centre | $50,000
• Kolkata Mary Ward Social
Centre | $45,000
K E N YA
• Termination of FGM | $27,500
• Nyumbani Tertiary Scholarships | $8,030
PERU
• Tailoring Project | $6,900
SOUTH SUDAN
• Loreto Health Care Support
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS TIMOR-LESTE: Project | $25,000
INDIA:
Loreto Ostico Building Project
A new building project will commence to enhance Kolkota Mary Ward Social Centre TIMOR-LESTE
Z AMBIA: education initiatives in the village of Ostico. A Community Houses have been repaired or built to assist those • Ostico Community Centre
Development Centre and a Loreto Sister residence will whose homes were severely impacted by Cyclone & Loreto Residence | $1,214,240
Lunch Feeding Program for School Children
be built, further enabling the Loreto Sisters in their long- Amphan in May. Cyclone Support Kits were distributed
This new project is feeding orphans and vulnerable
lasting commitment to the people of Timor-Leste. to families in need. The contents of a kit included food,
children attending a local school in Lukulu. This VIETNAM
clothing, cooking utensils, essential personal items
may be the only meal for the day for those from
impoverished homes. Some pupils camp in shacks in
SOUTH SUDAN: such as soap, detergent, and bandages, and various • John XXIII Training Scholarships | $5,000
Lukulu township and try to find work after school and The Mary Ward Primary Health Care Centre
emergency shelter items such as tarpaulins, mats, tin • IBVM Hostel Scholarships | $4,000
sheets, and mosquito nets.
on the weekend to pay rent and buy food. When work The Health Centre in Rumbek provides essential health
cannot be found, hunger is evident during lessons. services, particularly to vulnerable children, women, Z AMBIA
K E N YA :
Some students opt to miss school in order to pursue and the elderly. MWIA is investing funds to ensure
odd jobs to survive. Providing students with a meal that community members can access free medical Nyumbani Scholarship Program
• Lukulu Teacher Training | $11,550
at lunch time will reduce truancy, improve academic consultations, testing, and treatment, despite the Two candidates supported to attend college to receive • Baby Milk Project | $15,928
performance and prevent nutritional related illness. current local and global pandemic challenges. tertiary diplomas in Social Work and Guidance Counselling.
4 Sustain December 2020 Mary Ward International Australia
5
Generosity
makes life (and hope)
go round
1
in Ostico, Timor-Leste
~ by Sr Margaret Mary Flynn ibvm
S
uco Ostico is a relatively funding for the community to develop infectious, as children, teachers, and
small village of approximately an agribusiness. This disappointment families observe the transformation
2,000 people, roughly 15 led to a very generous donor hearing in amazement.
kilometres southwest of Baucau, of the dream and assisting with funds All involved consider this
where the road climbs towards for the purchase of a tractor, training, renovation to be a hugely significant
encroaching, barren mountains. and horticultural supplies. development, giving witness to
The land is mainly flat and very The saying ‘generosity makes the importance of education and
fertile but has until now only been the world go round’ was starting to bringing life and colour to the school
used for subsistence farming. The become a reality within a circle of environment. These refreshed
village still bears many reminders relationships connecting the Ostico classrooms will serve as a symbol of
of the ravaging of Indonesian community, Loreto Sisters, MWIA, hope in a country where educational
forces in retaliation to the vote for several incredibly generous donors, resources are few, and standards
independence. and our Loreto schools. Over the of education so low (37% illiteracy
It was two years ago that the last two years, our Mary Ward circle among young people). We trust that
Bishop of Baucau Diocese, Bishop has gradually expanded its support this injection of new life will serve to 2
Basilio Nasciamento, asked the of Ostico with generosity of spirit at inspire levels of teaching and learning
Ostico community if the Loreto its core. that lead to bright futures for many
Sisters could move from their rented Right now, a major donor is young people in Ostico. Timor-Leste, to families, friends,
accommodation in Baucau to live funding the building of the Sisters’ The community is so proud of and Loreto schools in many parts of
within their community. From this Community Centre and Residence, this development, it is planning for Australia. Donor families receive great
moment, a mutually supportive the agribusiness is going from an inauguration festival to which they fulfilment from visits, and we hope
friendship began with a warmth of strength to strength, and the Primary will invite the Minister of Education. when travel is once again possible,
welcome and a generous offer to School, well, that is another story! Meanwhile, community leaders are that we can welcome all those who
freely give land to the Sisters to build Some of the school buildings thinking of ways they could further have given such life-giving support,
according to their needs. were destroyed in 2000, and, as advance access to education in such so they too can feel the joy and hope
So, the planning began, with the a stark reminder, their unsightly a life-giving space. that their generosity has created.
Sisters’ desire not only to build a house foundations remain a hazard within The Loreto Sisters teach English A big ‘thank you’ to all in our Loreto
for the training of young Timorese the school grounds. Over the last to members of the community, and and MWIA network for this story of
women who wish to become Loreto twenty years, children have attended thanks to several donors, they are kindness and hope, which I believe,
Sisters, but also a Centre for the school in the two remaining blocks training women to develop business has many chapters still to come!
Ostico community to use for various of classrooms that visitors describe and cooking skills to support the
development projects. as being ‘fit only for demolition’. agribusiness project with the sale
In 2018, in response to the Again, a very generous donation of products.
generosity of the Ostico community, from an Australian family has funded From the beginning, generosity
Images:
and in consultation with its leaders, the renovation of one of the blocks has indeed made ‘life go round’ 1: All but the windows
Loreto and MWIA tried unsuccessfully and brought such joy and hope to across the Timor Sea to include a 2: Before renovations began
to attract Australian government the community. Their happiness is wide circle of friends from Ostico, 3-4: Newly renovated and ready for students 3 4
6 Sustain December 2020 Mary Ward International Australia
7
Helen (Healy) Marron, front row middle, of the 1942 Jubilarians
113
years Something
of connection more than
~ by Madeleine Carter
ordinary
I
n a year of isolation, it is important Provincial. Helen recalled her mother
to reflect on the bonds between telling her, “Mother Gonzaga Barry
the MWIA community and the was revered, she was a presence
The UN through the lens
Loreto Sisters. at Mary’s Mount on Sundays where of a youth representative
Whilst for some this connection is she would have afternoon tea with
new, for other families the affiliation students in their final year and share ~ by Francesca Torcasio Barberis
spans decades and weaves a social behaviour etiquette lessons.”
O
consistent thread throughout their Mother Gonzaga would impress on Helen (Healy)
Marron and
lives. For one family this connection the students to be Mary Ward Women family ver a year ago, I wrote an article for Sustain Even though I returned home to Melbourne
extends over four generations (113 and contribute to their community. anticipating my internship with the Loreto two months early due to the aggressive COVID-19
years) with a living connection to In 1914, Dossie travelled to warm women. Our nuns were gentle, United Nations office in New York. outbreak in NYC, I was able to continue my role as
Mother Gonzaga Barry. Melbourne to train as a nurse, wise and impressed on us that we Now, a year on, I reflect on the four months I youth representative through Friday night online
Helen (Healy) Marron and graduating as the Spanish Flu were loved by God as we are. Loreto spent in New York, from November until March meetings with Cecilia O’Dwyer in Spain, Cynthia
Elizabeth (Healy) Callanan’s mother took hold. In 1918 she married Dr is my family in so many ways” this year, leaving earlier than planned due to Mathew in India, and Janet Palafox in Sydney,
Kathleen Tunbridge, fondly known as Michael Healy who was training at St Helen recalled her Jubilee COVID-19. I remember waking up on chilly NYC hosting webinars with young panelists from all over
‘Dossie’, was born in 1895 in Ballarat. Vincent’s Hospital and they had five celebration where graduating mornings, catching the crowded subway each the globe, and even jumping on a Financing for
Dossie and her siblings Alma, Nancy children Margaret, Tony, Ian, Helen students were crowned with a fresh day from Brooklyn to Grand Central Station, and Development Zoom call at 3:20 in the morning.
and Jack attended Loreto Convent and Elizabeth. garland of flowers made by Mother walking to my destination - either the IBVM/CJ UN The Mary Ward family extends globally, beyond
Dawson Street for their junior years Mother Michael Gibson contacted Andrew. This tradition continues for NGO Office on Third Avenue or the United Nations the familiar ‘Loreto’ we know in Australia. It was truly
and then Mary’s Mount from 1907 Dossie and encouraged her as an Loreto graduates today. Headquarters in Manhattan. an honour to represent such a vibrant, passionate,
to 1913. Despite living 500 metres ex-student to send her daughters Helen’s connection to Mandeville As a youth representative, every single day and diverse network at a place like the United Nations,
away, they were required to attend to Loreto Convent Mandeville Hall. Hall continued when she started looked different. Some days, my role was to and, especially, to represent the tens of thousands of
as boarders and were allowed one Mother Michael wanted the Loreto teaching Year 6 in 1960. Sister represent young people within the IBVM and CJ young people connected to Mary Ward.
family visit per month. Spirit in the school and organised Ruth Winship welcomed Helen network, particularly sharing stories about the The IBVM/CJ UN office provides an opportunity
Dossie was at Mary’s Mount when bursaries and subsidies for many ex- as a teacher and shepherded her experiences of young women and girls across our to take the stories and experiences of women in the
Mother Gonzaga Barry lived in the students to facilitate this. through her first year. Helen taught global network. On other days, I advocated for smallest communities in India to the global stage
community and was Loreto’s Mother Helen started at Mandeville Hall at Mandeville Hall until 1977. youth more broadly. and advocate for a better and more equal world for
in 1935, Helen remembered, “Sr. The association continued with There was little youth representation at women and girls.
Tarcisius, Mother Claire, Mother Helen’s daughter Sally (Stagg) and the UN on many issues. I aimed to challenge This year the United Nations commemorates
Francis, Mother Francesca - all the granddaughter Jessica (Stagg) who speakers, presenters, and decision-makers to its 75th anniversary. The UN is prioritising ways for
Loreto Nuns were our friends, and both attended Mandeville Hall, with consider the perspectives and experiences of every global citizen to engage, sharing concerns,
we loved them. They were wonderful, Jessica graduating in 2004. young people, particularly in circumstances challenges, and hopes for the UN.
where young people are highly impacted or put COVID-19 demonstrates exactly why global
at risk by policies and decisions. collaboration and connection is essential, and why
On other days, my role was to engage young the role of the UN in uniting countries against a
When I started teaching at people within the United Nations and IBVM/CJ deadly virus that affects every human being is
Mandeville I felt at home, I was networks. This was my favourite aspect of the critical. If not the UN, who could do this? I encourage
back in the world I grew up in.” internship, having now made connections with
other Mary Ward women from Kenya, India, the UK,
everyone connected to the Loreto community to
share your hopes for the United Nations here:
Kathleen (Dossie) Turnbridge and family ~ Helen (Healy) Marron and beyond. www.un75.online.
Image: Francesca Torcasio Barberis at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City
If you would like to share your family connection with Loreto please email: communications@loreto.org.au
8 Sustain December 2020 Mary Ward International Australia
9
THANK YOU
for Caring - Pandemic Response Impact
Amphan
~ by Michelle Gale
Devastation R
ight now, our Sisters and project partners are operating in countries where COVID-19 infection rates are escalating.
The levels of stress they continue to face, without knowing when this may end or when lockdown conditions will
ease, cannot be denied. Despite these challenges, their focus on supporting those in poverty has been inspiring.
None of this is possible without you - our supporters. Your generosity and selflessness throughout this trying time has
been incredible. Here, we share some of the impacts your donations have made locally and globally, reminding us of our
interconnectedness in this time of health crisis, and supporting those in our Mary Ward family and beyond.
~ by Sr Monica Suchiang ibvm
RUMBEK, SOUTH SUDAN Auntie receiving
milk for orphan
LUKULU, baby Ngambo
At the Mary Ward Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC), Rumbek, South
ZAMBIA
Sudan, our nurses and interns are not only focusing on COVID-19
prevention and education, they are also extremely busy treating In Lukulu, Zambia,
malaria. One nurse states “When the rainy season starts, the grass in the Integrated Health
our villages grows tall and the area becomes infested with mosquitoes. Care Support Program
This leads to a massive spread of malaria. Malaria has been the (IHCSP) witnesses
Mud huts repaired biggest health challenge for our community in July and August. At increased hardship for
and families assisted, the PHCC, we have treated over 700 malaria cases for this season”. mothers and guardians of orphan babies.
recovering from
impact of cyclone Recently, a truck filled with medicines, The struggle to provide the basics for their
Boy being treated at Mary Ward
Amphan, India medical equipment, personal protective Primary Health Care Centre families is compounded by the prices of
provisions and various supplies arrived goods escalating due to the lockdown
I
n May, while India was struggling On Sagar Island, anxious starving for supporting us through food and after a long journey from Nairobi, Kenya. in Lukasa, including milk for vulnerable
with Coronavirus and its deadly children, women and older people other aids.” Water tanks for hand washing have also babies. Food hampers and milk have been
impact, super cyclone Amphan waited for help. Amphan had ravaged Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre been supplied, and twenty-five Loreto distributed to families in need. The current
ravaged the coastal areas of West their lives. In the village, women from sends sincere gratitude to donors Rumbek graduates have been working in Program support vehicle assists the IHCSP
Bengal. Lakhs (100,000’s) of people the tribal community broke into tears and well-wishers for extending their the community each day to educate and to educate villagers about COVID-19, its
were left homeless without food. and cried out: support which has enabled us to deliver food and water to those in need. prevention, and distributes soap.
Livelihoods were snatched away as stand with the Amphan affected
cattle and crops were destroyed. Why does God put victims during their time of crisis.
Kolkata Mary Ward
Centre (KMWSC) has supported the
Social
us through so much SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA KENYA
marginalised and migrant sections of pain? He could House of Welcome (HoW), Australia, The Loreto Sisters in Kenya facilitate the
Kolkata society for over two decades.
Currently, it supports districts in
simply kill us.” located in Granville NSW, has responded to
the needs of refugees and people seeking
Termination of Female Genital Mutilation
(FGM) Project. Fears of curses, myths,
Kolkata, West Bengal and Nawada in Their houses crumbled on the night asylum. Asylum seekers are unable to and taboos related to FGM, discourage
Bihar state. of the deadly cyclone. Most were Families homes access support from the government, and many communities from abandoning
provided with
Cyclone Amphan left significant clad in tattered sarees, the only piece temporary roofing many are solely reliant on charities for the practice, despite fines and the well-
destruction in Kolkata and other areas. of cloth they had. Many of the men after cyclone survival, particularly during the COVID-19 known health dangers. Unfortunately,
Amphan, India
The roofs of centres and schools were only wore a “Gamchha”, a local towel. pandemic. Over 106 new clients have due to the COVID-19 lockdown, there
scattered and destroyed. Incessant Some children had nothing to wear at sought support – all are experiencing has been an increase in FGM cases, child
rains, power failures, and waterlogged all. There were hardly any grains left in financial distress; some have rental abuse, pregnancies, and early marriages.
streets and fields characterised the ill- the remains to sustain them. arrears, and others face food insecurity. The Sisters have focused their work on
fated event. In the words of Parbati Bhakta* Preparation of food deliveries In partnership with MWIA, food and crisis equipping trainers, who will reach and
The Cyclone Response team of a Lodha tribal mother of 2 children, at the House of Welcome accommodation has been provided. support more girls and communities.
KMWSC continues to provide food “My house has been completely
packages in the village of Pathan Khali destroyed by the cyclone. I have been
and surrounding areas, to stranded sleeping under the stars ever since. I Thank you for your support of our MWIA global projects at this crucial time. We are privileged to address the
migrants of the brickfields and to the am thankful to KMWSC for arranging most basic needs of people, at a time when it has become far too apparent that they are without the same
slum and red-light areas of Kolkata. shelter for my children and myself and Solar lanterns provided for families economic and social safety nets as we have. On behalf of the people we serve, thank you.
in India to study, cook, sew and
fish after-dark
* Name changed to protect identity, privacy and safety.
10
Sustain December 2020 Mary Ward International Australia
11
Mary Ward
Health Centre
Rumbek An interview with Sr Orla Treacy ibvm
SOUTH SUDAN
CASE STUDIES:
I
never wanted to be a missionary lives, their education and their dreams. to access health care while in school. MAKUR MANYUAT, a father of eleven children
when I joined Loreto in 1998, or so In school you see transformation Health education undertaken by the from the nearby village of Aber. He is grateful
I thought. In 2004, as the Sisters every day. I have the privilege of clinic has improved public health. for the free medical care that his family receives
discerned a new mission, I spent some seeing our students come full circle. I The community is largely traditional from the PHCC. He says “I am very glad for this
weeks in India meeting many of our have welcomed them to school, seen – most illnesses and infections are clinic because it is saving us in different ways,
older missionary Sisters. I admired them go on to university, graduate, the result of poor personal care and like giving us free medicine. In other clinics,
their life and commitment – the marry, work, become mothers and hygiene practices. Health education medicine is very expensive and the distance
Sr Orla with Mr Charles Yuga
seed was planted. At the time, I was return to help their family, community for students and local workers in the the Head teacher at Loreto from our villages to town is very far and most
working in Dublin as a teacher and and country. community has led to a dramatic Girls Secondary School people walk there even when sick.” He also
chaplain in a school with many social The pandemic presented a reduction in cases of diarrhoea, skin appreciates the health education from the
issues - a great challenge, I loved it. unique challenge at Loreto, as it did infection and respiratory illness. clinic and the contribution the clinic makes to
When our Sisters decided on globally. Once active COVID-19 cases The community is evolving. The children attending school. “The clinic is not only
the mission to South Sudan, I was were discovered in South Sudan, years of support provided by MWIA providing us with medical attention but also
drawn to volunteer. I love travel, the government shut down learning donors have made an incredible with health education that is always carried out
new experiences and adventure; institutions. Students of Loreto transformation in access to health and before treatment. We feel so good that the clinic
this was definitely going to be all of Primary and Loreto Girls Secondary education. Despite ever-changing is in our community because it is helping mostly
that. The proposal to start a girls’ School were sent home. During needs and communal challenges, the young ones who are studying here. We
secondary school in an area where this time, Mary Ward Health Centre there is progress towards a healthy don’t get worried about our children falling sick
girls weren’t going to school was a opened its doors to the community, and educated Maker Kuei community. because they get treatment for free and they do
challenge. I was genuinely called helping bridge the gap as the When we came to Rumbek in not have to miss school because of illnesses.”
to be a missionary, though I wasn’t demand for health services soared. 2006 people thought we were He finishes by saying, “Since this clinic started, I
clear on what that meant. Monthly consultations doubled. The mad opening a girls’ secondary have never sold any of my goats or cows for the
I left Ireland five months after my dedicated clinic staff of professional school. They told us ‘the girls won’t treatment of my children or my wives.”
Final Profession, volunteering for five nurses and nursing assistants, come’, but when we opened in Makur Manyuat
years. I am still going strong in South comprising of former Loreto Students 2008, they saw the girls coming.
Sudan 15 years later and loving it! studying medical courses, ensured The next comment was ‘the girls TABITHA DING MAJAK is 40 years old and
Over the years I realise it’s not what that the facility was able to meet the might come but they won’t complete a mother of 13 children. Her household has
we do or where we are, but that we increased demand. The emergency their schooling’, and then in 2011, 21 members consisting of her children, her
are fulfilled in our mission, and that funding and support of donors such we had our first graduation. Again, stepchildren and her in-laws. She remembers
we keep our heart and eyes on Christ as MWIA ensured that the clinic was the comments continued, ‘they the first time she visited the Mary Ward PHCC.
in all that we do. well stocked with medical supplies. may graduate but they won’t go to “The first time I came to the clinic was when I
We have faced so many challenges Since the Primary Health Care university’. We currently have three brought my granddaughter who was just a few
over the years here; war, famine, and Centre (PHCC) opened in 2016, of our graduates back on staff having days old. The child was not able to breathe well
insecurity, but prayer and community community health has improved. completed their university courses, so I rushed her to the clinic together with her
have kept me strong. A good sense of The PHCC serves a population and up to 85% of our graduates mother. The nurses discovered that the child
humour and a flexible spirit have been of around 10,000 community pursue university courses. 100% of was suffering from pneumonia and took quick
important qualities. members who initially had to walk the class of 2012 are now university action to save the child’s life. She was given
I love working with young people, over 10 km to access health services. graduates. medication and after some days she became
their freshness, courage and ambition This limited access reduced the Tabitha Ding Majak well.” Tabitha has since joined the Mary Ward
These girls are real Mary Ward
consistently impress me. The students community uptake of modern women, young women of courage PHCC staff and works as a community mobiliser
we work with come with their own medicine. The PHCC facility has who show us every day that the for the nutrition program, encouraging new
tales of trauma and it is beautiful to helped students stay in school and impossible is possible. I believe these mothers and mothers with malnourished
see their spirits grow. Many of our reduced absenteeism, particularly women will help shape a better future children to embrace immunisation and
students have had to fight for their for primary students who are able for South Sudan. nutritious diets.
12
Sustain December 2020
13
Mary Ward International Australia
Schools in Solidarity ~ By Anne Muirhead
O
ur Loreto schools are only spurred our schools on to more performance, ran a virtual cake-
Loreto Marryatville connected by shared stories, creative ways of supporting MWIA’s decorating competition and walk-
Verity Vinyl dress-up
shared spirituality, and a projects through prayer, awareness- a-thon, recreated famous artworks
shared desire to act in solidarity raising, community activities, and and held the old favourite ‘guess
with sisters and brothers who are fund-raising. the staff baby photo competition’!
marginalised or oppressed. These Loreto Ballarat supported Community-building is always at the
connections were strengthened a Timorese income-generating heart of Loreto Mission Days!
by presentations from MWIA staff mask-making project through their Across the year, our schools also
to 2020 Loreto student leaders, Victorian Certificate of Applied delighted in their MWIA outreach
Principals, and mission leaders before Learning program. Students ran a efforts of previous years. Loreto
COVID-19 lockdown number one in small business to sell 950 masks Toorak rejoiced with the Sisters in
March. In this Year of Verity, we have made by women in a community Zambia as they took possession of
been challenged by Mary Ward’s development project in Gari-uai. Year a new vehicle to facilitate support
maxim to be seekers of truth and 11s at Loreto Normanhurst educated to outlying villages. Loreto Kirribilli
doers of justice. Our understanding the entire school on the issue of human was updated on plans to develop
of truth has been shaken by the trafficking in line with their support of agribusiness, school refurbishment,
extraordinary impact of COVID-19 on ACRATH, an organisation supported and accommodation projects in
every aspect of our lives and world. by Loreto Sisters and MWIA for years. Ostico - a village near Baucau,
In Australia, we have faced illness The new principal at Loreto Nedlands, Timor-Leste . Students and staff at
and death, economic hardship, Rika Andres, reported: we came several schools continue to support
fractured states, dashed dreams, together as a school and reflected the education of young people
and extreme disruption to our on the mission of Mary Ward and in Vietnam, furthering the Loreto
educational systems. On top of the many wonderful MWIA initiatives mission of access to excellent
this, MWIA’s project partners have that are happening around the globe. educational opportunities for all.
Loreto Kirribilli Student made strawberry
Game Show sundaes were a popular treat also endured the impact of malaria, The students at Nedlands linked in MWIA staff have valued the
at Loreto Coorparoo hunger, inadequate medical support, with the experience of their peers deepening connection with our
Cyclone Amphan, and the prospect attending schools in the brickfields of Loreto schools via attendance
of forced marriage as our students India. Pilgrims at John XXIII College at meetings of school personnel,
at Loreto Rumbek returned to described first-hand the impact of input at the annual LSAC Student
precarious village settings. Through MWIA supported projects in Kolkata Leadership Conference, and support
our experience of COVID-19, our and Timor Leste. Loreto Kirribilli had of province justice focused webinars.
Loreto network has connected at a a Hoodie and Beanie Day and Game The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly
deeper level through compassion, Show to raise much-needed funds for highlighted the insight of St Paul:
justice, and service. India. Loreto Marryatville raised funds when one rejoices, we all rejoice; when
As Director of Faith and Mission for Vietnam by holding a groovy one suffers, we all suffer. We are most
at Loreto College Ballarat, Felicity Verity Vinyl dress-up for Mission Day. grateful to members of our school
Knobel wrote in August: if our doors Leaders at Loreto Coorparoo were communities including students,
be closed, let our hearts be open. able to set a context for the mission staff, parents, and past pupils, for
Our COVID-19 landscape required of MWIA in homeroom gatherings at your support across this challenging
great flexibility and generosity of our the beginning of their Mission Week. year, and look forward to ongoing
Loreto schools, each of which had to In true Loreto-style, community dialogue and discernment around the
make differing adjustments according members across our land danced needs of our rich yet raw, blessed yet
to their location. Schools’ annual at silent discos, held homeroom broken, Loreto/MWIA network across
mission days were understandably challenges, pitched staff vs students in Australia, India, Kenya, Peru, South
impacted by social distancing online games shows, hosted a Loreto’s Sudan, Timor-Leste, The Philippines,
requirements and the experience of Got Talent, reworked TikTok dances, and Zambia.
virtual community. These constraints laughed through a Staff ‘Survivor’
14 15
Loreto Nedlands
Mission Day Stall
Sustain December 2020 Mary Ward International Australia
Give this Christmas
and make a better future possible
A
t the time of publication, India had recorded 5.49 was dependent on the food provided by you, MWIA supporters,
million cases of Coronavirus and was expected to and distributed by the Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre
become the pandemic’s worst-hit country. This, plus (KMWSC) staff and Sisters.
the devastation experienced as a result of Cyclone Amphan Support is now being extended to families to assist them
in May, means families in India need our help to recover and in rebuilding their homes. Sabitri shares, “I had no hope that
rebuild more than ever before. we would ever have a roof of our own again. Today, my son,
Sabitri* had a house made of hay and mud. The house was daughter, and family can live in our own house. Thank you so
completely destroyed by the cyclone. Sabitri and her husband much for helping us build a new home.”
are daily wage earners, labouring under appalling conditions in This Christmas, many families like Sabitri’s will be back
Basirhat’s brick-making fields of West Bengal. labouring in the brickfields of West Bengal. Join MWIA and
During lockdown, they could not earn any income to feed KMWSC in helping these families impacted by the pandemic and
their family and had no savings to help them survive. The family cyclone rebuild their lives. Together, we can make a difference.
*Name changed to protect identity, privacy, and safety.
ONLINE: BY PHONE: BY MAIL:
www.mwia.org.au 03 9813 4023 complete this form
The quickest & easiest way Pay via Credit Card Mail to the address below
Title Full Name
Address State Postcode
Phone Mobile Email
I wish to receive future correspondence by email. If selecting this option please remember to add us to your address book!
I wish to donate $1000 $500 $100 $50 Other $
Donations of $2 or
I would like to make a recurring monthly gift of $ more are tax deductible
CHEQUE: My cheque/money is enclosed - Please make payable to MWIA
CREDIT CARD: Visa MasterCard
Expiry date /
Cardholder’s name Signature Date: /
SEND TO: Mary Ward International Australia, PO Box 4082, Auburn South, VIC 3122
I don’t require a receipt and would like to receive an Annual Tax Statement instead
I would like to receive information about leaving a gift in my Will
Thank you
for your
I would like my gift to remain anonymous
I would like to meet with an MWIA representative 2020_SS_MAG_12
generous
donation!
Privacy: The information you provide is confidential and will be used to process donations, issue tax receipts, acknowledge your support and provide you with news and
information. Our privacy policy is available at www.mwia.org.au/privacy-policy and contains information on how you can correct your personal information and who we
disclose your personal information to and how to lodge a complaint. If you wish to limit the amount of communication material you receive from MWIA please call us:
03 9813 4023 or write to us: PO Box 4082, Auburn South, VIC 3122. Thank you. ABN: 95 185 481 919
You can also read
