Caritas Australia has launched its annual Women for the World appeal, which this year affords supporters the chance to give the life-changing, future-shaping gift of vocational training to women like Memory from Malawi.
Memory was the eldest of four in a family that faced extreme poverty, with her parents often struggling to provide necessities like soap and shoes for their children.
Education in Malawi is often impacted by domestic chores, and the need for children to start work young and support their families. Many families must choose which children to send to school and often favour educating boys.
As a result, only three in every 100 girls who start education in Malawi complete it, and only one in 100 go to university.
Memory feared for the future of her education, while also feeling pressure to provide for her family as their eldest child.
That all changed when Caritas Australia’s partner, the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi offered Memory a place in a local college.
At the college, she was able to learn a job-specific, vocational skill. Memory chose to pursue carpentry training and worked hard for three years before managing to secure a job at a major hydroelectric power company.
Memory said of her changed fortunes, “Because I studied carpentry, my siblings admire me and want to get educated so they can get a job and assist my parents.
“In the future, I want to build a house for my parents because the one they are using now is in a bad condition. I also want to own my own workshop so I can help the community and employ others in the community.”
Lana Hanley, Africa and Pacific Associate director at Caritas Australia, said: “Caritas Australia’s education programs, supported by compassionate people here in Australia, have already changed many lives. With more support, we can expand this program to reach even more women and girls.”
Details: Caritas Australia’s Women for the World campaign
FULL STORY
Caritas Australia appeal focuses on supporting women to build better futures (Caritas Australia)
