Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby eNewsletter

LYF - Religious Education/Faith Development Leading Into Action

Last week we gathered as sectors to acknowledge and celebrate Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday marked the start of Lent, where for forty days, we are asked follow Jesus on his journey to Calvary.

This important time in the Church’s calendar asks us to reflect on the needs of our brothers and sisters, and be thankful to God for all of the things we are lucky to have in our lives.

We are reminded of those who do not have access to basic needs such as water, shelter, medicine and education, and we should think about the ways that we can act in service to them.

Each week of Lent, Caritas shares a story of a person who always goes further. These stories show how Caritas Australia’s training, development and support have improved their way of life.

SHIRLEY FROM THE PHILIPPINES

Shirley, 36, is an indigenous Manide woman living in a remote province of the Philippines. She is a mother of four and the sole breadwinner of the family, as her husband is sick. But Shirley was struggling to support the whole family and keep her children in school.

Indigenous minorities in the Philippines face regular discrimination and disadvantage, limiting their access to education, employment and healthcare. But thanks to Caritas Australia’s Supporters, Shirley’s life has transformed. She is now leading her community to take a stand against discrimination, improve health and education, and pave the way for a better future.

Unequal access to health services means that many indigenous children and families cannot access basic medical care. Preventable diseases, such as tuberculosis, dengue fever and measles are common among their community, and there is a high maternal and new-born mortality rate.

With Caritas Australia’s support, Shirley trained to become an indigenous health worker and a leader in her community. She has learned to supplement her income as is able to feed her family. The program has also helped Shirley’s children with school fees, uniforms and supplies.

Shirley says there’s still a long way to go to fight for better employment opportunities for the Manide tribe and to reduce discrimination, but together they’ll get there.

“I became the voice of my tribe to have their needs heard,” Shirley says. “As a trained health worker, I am confident to talk, to mingle with non-indigenous people, even with government employees."

Your support is life-saving for people experiencing poverty and oppression. Please help more people like Shirley gain confidence and respect within their community and help improve the conditions of indigenous people around the world. Let’s Go Further, Together.