For most of Archie’s life, he lived with his parents and nine siblings in a one-roomed house beside the Plaridel River in the province of Bulacan, an area prone to flooding and typhoons.
“Our roof had holes in it. So when it rained, it was like we were having a shower,” he said as he explained that whenever strong rains hit, the houses had to be evacuated for higher ground.
Now 19, Archie experienced severe flooding three times, including September 2009’s Super Typhoon Ondoy.

“After this typhoon, our house looked like it had been torn apart by a wild beast. Mud covered every wall and corner, the plywood walls were dismantled, the roof was gone and the posts were bent.”
In August 2012, an emergency resettlement program supported by Caritas Australia helped Archie and his family resettle into permanent and secure housing away from the flood prone river.
“We are now confident and secure in the knowledge that we will not be devastated again by natural disaster,” said Archie. “We are so much happier.”
Through the program, Archie’s mum learnt to make bags and he learnt to make candles which they sell to earn an income. But, as he left school halfway through his first year to assist his family, what he’s most excited about is studying under Caritas Australia’s Alternative Learning System and increasing his future prospects.
“Caritas Australia has changed our lives. We are so thankful and happy that we are living in a safe community. We have confidence because we feel secure and supported. The Caritas Australia program has increased our sense of pride and self-esteem.”
Your donation to Project Compassion means vulnerable people can live in safe, supportive communities and have hope for the future.

Deng, 50, grew up with his family in Barmayen village, South Sudan.
“I never attended school. Every day I would take the goats out to the bush with the other boys for grazing,” he said.
When Deng was six, he became very ill and with no medical facilities available, fell into a coma. After regaining consciousness, he awoke to find his right side partially paralysed. Not letting this deter him, he happily returned to the peaceful life he knew and loved.
In 1983 when civil war broke out and everything changed. Frightened and taken by surprise, Deng, his family and other villagers fled for the bush, leaving their homes, crops and livestock behind.
“We were unable to be in our village, life was unbearable and all the time we kept hiding from the militia in the bush … We were always on the move.”
Over the course of time, Deng and his wife, Aketch, 38, had eight children, but three passed away. Later on, Deng’s eyes became infected. As the head of the household, he was responsible for providing for his family. Losing his eyesight meant he could not do this anymore.
In 2005, the civil war ended and they were able to move back home. To assist with resettling, Caritas Australia’s partner, Hope Agency for Relief and Development (HARD) established a food security and rehabilitation program.
Deng and Aketch received two goats, five chickens, fishing nets and a selection of seeds to plant. They are now confident of a more secure future and are happy their children can attend school.
“Thank you very much and God bless you abundantly.”
Your donation to Project Compassion helps Caritas Australia pursue justice and assist those who are the most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice.

Maristely, 18, lives in a favela (slum) in São Paulo, Brazil with her family.
Dark and cramped, favelas are groups of irregular, self-constructed houses often built on land that no one wants to live on due to threats of floods, landslides, or their proximity to roads and train lines. Many locals face daily discrimination from the wider community.
When Maristely was growing up, her family’s house, like many others, was made of cardboard and had no electricity, water or connected sewerage.
Caritas Australia’s partner, the Movement for the Defence of Favela Residents (MDF), is changing lives across 40 favelas in São Paulo. MDF understands the difficulties of favela life such as dense population, limited space, a lack of available jobs, constant threat of eviction and widespread poverty.  
Through MDF, Maristely’s family, along with thousands of others, now has access to clean water, electricity and connected sewerage. They also have a certificate of home ownership which provides greater security and means they can no longer be evicted.
Across the favelas, up to 70 percent of families experience violence in the home, and there is a dominant gang culture. This culture of violence is closely linked to a lack of self-esteem. MDF attendees participate in sessions which address their identity, favela history, and issues around drugs, gangs, violence and unemployment.
The program promotes peace so young people can attain education and employment, rather than joining local gangs.
“Being a part of MDF has given me awareness of my dignity … I know that to live in a favela is nothing to be ashamed of … Because of my perseverance, I live in a better place and we are recognised for that,” said Maristely.
Your donation to Project Compassion is helping Caritas Australia end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.