Faces of Project Compassion

Read about the incredible impact your support has made. Through inspiring stories of strength, resilience, and change, you'll see how your generosity helps create real, positive change in communities around the world. These stories highlight the difference you’re making and how your actions are helping people overcome challenges, build better futures, and thrive.

Toefuata'iga

(Toy-foo-ah-tah-ing-ah)

is a 13-year-old student in Samoa, who faced frequent early dismissals and missed lessons due to severe water scarcity at her primary school. Teachers often had to leave class to fetch water, impacting health and hygiene for students.

The situation changed dramatically when Caritas Samoa, in partnership with Caritas Australia, installed a 10,000-litre water tank at her school. With clean reliable water access, attendance and enrolment rose, students health improved, and parents felt reassured. The new tank lifted financial and logistical burdens, allowing the school community to focus on education rather than the constant struggle for water.

Lam

is a young man from rural Vietnam who dreamed of becoming a graphic artist but struggled due to his physical disability. Through Caritas Australia’s partner program, I-SHINE, Lam completed a six-month IT training course that equipped him with professional skills and restored his confidence and social connections.

Today, Lam runs a successful freelance graphic design business from home, serving clients locally and internationally. Lams story shows how vocational training can empower people with disabilities to overcome barriers and achieve their dreams, inspiring others to do the same.

Irene

is a single mother in the war-torn Kongolo region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. After her husband abandoned her, Irene struggled to support her two children, often going hungry for extended periods of time. 

Through Caritas Australia’s partner, Caritas Kongolo, Irene joined the Youth Capacity Strengthening program, gaining skills in sewing and farming, enabling her to earn a steady income and support her family.

She also now mentors other young women, empowering them with sewing skills. Irene’s goal is to secure her sons' education, hoping they can one day fulfil their dreams of becoming doctors.