Mary Ward International Australia in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Non-profit organisation

Mary Ward International Australia

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9813 4023

Address: 257 Auburn Road, Hawthorn East Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.mwia.org.au

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25.01.2022 We would like to warmly welcome Ms Hannah George to the Mary Ward International Australia team. Hannah commences her new role as Executive Officer of MWIA from today. Hannah has nearly two decades of experience in advocacy, campaigning and programs that focus on progressing human rights, gender equity and social justice. Hannah and the MWIA team will play a key part in the global Loreto education, social justice and UN network, supporting the Loreto Sisters and their collea...gues as they work to alleviate poverty and create just and sustainable change in communities around Australia and Internationally. Welcome Hannah!

25.01.2022 I had no hope that we would have a roof of our own. Today we can live in our own house! A million thanks to the team from Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre- Loreto (KMWSC) in India. I can now stay in my own house along with my son and daughter. - Sabitri Sarkar whose home was destroyed by Cyclone Amphan in May, and recently rebuilt thanks to our Sisters, KMWSC and MWIA supporters. As the state of West Bengal was fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, it was severely ravaged by Supe...r Cyclone Amphan. The cyclone caused widespread damage and destroyed thousands of remote homes. Rebuilding has been difficult due to lockdown restrictions and the challenge of finding labourers and vendors, able to supply materials. After much searching, KMWSC secured materials and labourers, and work began. Between early July and the end of August, homes were built for 7 families in Basirhat villages, each family working alongside the labourers to rebuild their homes and community. Special thanks to our donors for supporting the relief efforts and the people of West Bengal! #WestBengal #MaryWard #CycloneAmphan See more

24.01.2022 Thank you Loreto College Coorparoo for your outstanding fundraising and innovative ideas to help raise funds for MWIA projects! Together, the global communities, families and children we serve will be greatly assisted by your wonderful actions.

23.01.2022 Just hatched -3 day old chicks! Such an important source of income for the Mary Ward Agricultural Project in Kenya. The project trains farmers in agri-business assisting them to produce a sustainable income for their families. Learn more about this project here -https://www.mwia.org.au//MWIA_Global-Projects-2020_Mary-Wa

23.01.2022 World Children’s Day | This United Nations’ day is at the heart of our mission! Our 400 year old educational legacy is epitomised in the recent refurbishment of the primary school in Ostico, Timor-Leste. Here, children in one of the world’s newest and poorest nations will enjoy their learning journey in a bright and engaging environment. Happy World Children’s Day. May all children thrive and flourish! Image: Recent renovation of the Primary School in Ostico, Timor-Leste.

23.01.2022 Today is World Toilet Day! Improving sanitation in schools has a direct and positive impact on the health, wellbeing and therefore, attendance of students. Loreto Vietnam continues to build and refurbish toilets in schools in rural Vietnam, improving the learning environment and comfort of both students and staff. Special thanks to Loreto College Coorparoo students as they raise funds at this time to support these sanitation projects! The UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), promises sanitation for all by 2030. Your support of Loreto Vietnam helps us move towards this.

22.01.2022 30 JULY | WORLD DAY AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS Research shows that Human Trafficking is a billion-dollar industry, and Australia is not immune... Every country in the world is affected either as a country of origin, transit point, or destination. 225,000 victims of trafficking have been detected worldwide since 2003, the vast majority of victims are women and girls trafficked for sexual exploitation. Some are women and men trafficked into slavery in factories, fie...lds, hospitality or homes. Children are trafficked to pick coffee or mine minerals to create mobile phones and electronics. Mary Ward International Australia supports ACRATH in combatting human trafficking, specifically in the form of forced marriage, by implementing education and prevention strategies, which uphold the human rights of all people and give support to those impacted. How can you help to end Human Trafficking? Be Aware. Learn more here: acrath.org.au/act-against-human-trafficking Conscious consumerism! Buy Fair Trade coffee, chocolate, fashion and electronics from reputable, ethical sources. Fair Trade products are produced ethically and this includes fair labour conditions. Reuse and Recycle - consumerism is an economic driver behind slavery. Demand for cheap goods and increasing profits can move large businesses to cut labour costs through slavery. Shifting consumer habits to more conscious consumption can have a positive impact. Help us in our work alongside ACRATH by donating here: mwia.org.au/donate/tax-deductible-donations

22.01.2022 Best of luck to students undertaking exams this week. Wishing you clarity and calm as you turn your mind to the task ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

20.01.2022 LORETO ABUNDANT LIFE CENTRE - KENYA "Our dream of having a greenhouse has come to pass". The Abundant Life Centre (ALC) is an expansion of the Termination of Female Genital Mutilation project in Kenya. The Centre is located in a semi-arid area prompting Sister Dr. Ephigenia Gachiri and her team, to create farming activities to benefit the community. The construction of the greenhouse began in June and is almost complete! This will enable the community to engage in agribusiness, will supplement running costs and help the ALC to achieve financial sustainability. There are additional plans to establish drip irrigation crops to help address food shortages during the dry season. They wish to thank all our supporters for making this a reality! https://www.mwia.org.au/donate/tax-deductible-donations/

20.01.2022 Over the weekend we celebrated the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. We need to come together across borders, sectors and generations to unite in action to end poverty, for peace, for justice and to rebuild a more just and peaceful world post pandemic. We need to work together for the UN we want! #UN75 #LeaveNoOneBehind #UN2020UnitedNations

19.01.2022 BUY A BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE FABRIC MASK and support women & communities in Timor-Leste. These face masks are handmade by the women of Timor and 100% of all proceeds will further support their business opportunities. We thank Loreto College, Ballarat, as students and staff are doing an incredible job selling the masks and supporting Timorese women and families. Masks can be purchased here- https://pastpupils.loreto.vic.edu.au/#facemasks

19.01.2022 Sr Pat Hanvey ibvm has a new vehicle - it supports the Loreto Sisters’ pastoral work to serve the most vulnerable in remote areas across the Lukulu district in Zambia. A sincere thanks to all our supporters who gave to this special purpose, including students, families and staff of Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak and Loreto Normanhurst! It is a great relief when travelling hundreds of kms and out of mobile network coverage, to know that the vehicle is in very good shape and un...likely to break down. Those who will directly benefit from the purchase of a new vehicle are: *120-150 vulnerable people(mostly women) every year, who are sick or in childbirth and unable to get to a hospital on their own. * Orphaned and vulnerable babies reliant on the milk programme (up to 100 annually) who receive milk and medicine transported by the vehicle. * Impoverished disabled children and adults who are transported to access specialist treatment, otherwise unavailable to them. * Housebound disabled seniors,including those living with leprosy. In this photo we are collecting Soya beans from local farmers in the villages to distribute to those in need. Please support the work of our Sisters https://www.mwia.org.au/donate/tax-deductible-donations/ See more

18.01.2022 The Balloons may have been virtual but the tears were real. Loreto Centre staff, Province leadership and MWIA, said the final goodbye to outgoing MWIA EO Kim Nass and Admin whiz, Madeleine Carter yesterday, via video call of course. We know this is just so long for now and wish you both every happiness in your new adventures. You will be missed.

17.01.2022 AN INVITATION to the Mary Ward Justice Forum to be held on October 14. An inspiring event with a wonderful panel of speakers reflecting on questions raised by the coronavirus and its particular impact on Australian women. Please join us! To register -https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RVRLS5RvQB-4nDkBO34MvQ

17.01.2022 Last week, the Primary School in Ostico, Timor-Leste, celebrated a renewed ‘opening’ with a ‘Festa’ including traditional and modern dance. The Director General of Primary Education and Municipal representatives joined the Loreto Sisters and Ostico community for a morning of celebration as the wonderfully restored classrooms were re-opened. Teachers and students are delighted with their refreshed and attractive educational spaces and intend to make the most of the inspiration they offer.

15.01.2022 Thank you to all our supporters for your kindness and compassion! Your generous response to our COVID-19 appeal has meant we have been able to help those most in need during this global pandemic. Our Sisters and our projects have now received this much needed additional support and have been able to feed and reach hundreds of people. We could not have achieved this without your partnership!

11.01.2022 Today Loreto Nedlands Co-Ed Primary celebrated its annual Mission Day. Thank you for your outstanding fundraising and innovative ideas to help raise funds for the MWIA Brickfield project in India! Some highlights include the student run stalls, competitions in the school grounds and a Loreto's Got Talent show with students showcasing their skills and talents for all to see! Together, the global communities, families and children we serve will be greatly assisted by your wonderful actions.

10.01.2022 We recently farewelled our Executive Officer, Kim Nass at the MWIA Strategy meeting, via Zoom of course. Kim's contribution to MWIA over that past seven years has left us better positioned to be of service to our global community. We are enormously grateful for all you have done, Kim and wish you every blessing for the next exciting episode in your life.

08.01.2022 The Tip of the Iceberg | Forced marriage cases reported to the Australian Federal Police are a 'gross underestimate of the prevalence' of forced marriages in Australia. There is a concerning and growing trend in human trafficking allegations reported to the AFP across Australia in recent years, and this includes forced marriage. A significant number of unidentified victims remain in need of help. ACRATH aims to train as many frontline workers, teachers and the general public... to identify and support those at risk of forced marriage. To support MWIA's work with ACRATH, please donate here: https://www.mwia.org.au/donate/tax-deductible-donations Find further information about training to detect forced marriage visit https://acrath.org.au If you or someone you know needs help dealing with domestic violence, please contact Women's domestic violence helpline 1800 007 339 https://www.mwia.org.au//Forced-Marriage-West-Australia.pdf

07.01.2022 "It's so important that health workers, midwives, child protection workers and teachers know the right referral pathways for a person who discloses a forced marriage or an imminent forced marriage. Without knowing the correct way to respond to someone, that person can be left very vulnerable, and their safety jeopardised" ~ Liz Payne, Developer of the ACRATH Forced Marriage Resources. Tomorrow, Thursday 27th August-2pm ACRATH continues its commitment to end all forms of slave...ry with the launch of a video presentation that explores the complexities of forced marriage. Resources developed specifically for educators, marriage celebrants and other front-line professionals, including child protection workers, will form a core part of the presentation. Join the Zoom Presentation here: https://acrath.org.au/forced-marriage-training-initiative/ Read more here about how MWIA supports ACRATH and its programs: https://www.mwia.org.au//special-feature-australia-life-c/ See more

07.01.2022 At the Mary Ward Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC), in Sth Sudan, our nurses and interns are not only focusing on COVID-19, prevention and education, they have also been very busy treating malaria. "When the rainy season starts, the grass in our villages grow tall and the area becomes infested with mosquitoes. This leads to a massive spread of malaria. Malaria has been the biggest health challenge for our community in the months of July and August. At the PHCC, we have treated over 700 malaria cases for this season. This would not have been possible without the support of our supporters and the tireless efforts of our healthcare staff." THANK YOU for supporting the work in Sth Sudan. https://www.mwia.org.au/donate/tax-deductible-donations/

06.01.2022 Always Was, Always Will Be. Mary Ward International Australia is committed to actively working alongside our First Nations families and communities for reconciliation and justice. Throughout National NAIDOC Week 2020, may we acknowledge and celebrate that our nation’s story began well before European contact. ... We join in honouring the oldest continuing cultures on the planet. #NAIDOC2020 #NAIDOCWeek Learn more and give to MWIA Indigenous projects - https://www.mwia.org.au/projects/australia-2/ More info: https://www.naidoc.org.au Image: 2020 National NAIDOC Poster

06.01.2022 Urgent Action Needed TODAY! Sign the petition to stop the amendment to legislation that will result in no mobile phones allowed for those in immigration detention. Mobile phones enable connection and are a lifeline for those locked in immigration centres. Access to the outside world is often dependant on mobile phones; this includes families, loved ones, legal representation and health support. Phones also make it possible for us to understand what happens inside immigration ...detention centres. This amendment will be voted on today by the house of Representatives. If passed there, it will be before the Senate next Tuesday. Sign the petition here: https://action.asrc.org.au/phones-are-a-lifeline https://youtu.be/U_MJV-RW26o See more

05.01.2022 A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER - for us all - globally. Thank you for your partnership with MWIA and our Loreto Sisters serving those in our world hardest hit by the pandemic. This Christmas we aim to help families in INDIA - the epicentre of COVID-19 and help rebuild their lives after Cyclone Amphan in May. Please partner with us to restore dignity, rebuild housing, provide solar lanterns and sanitary items to families in need. Sister Monica and her team will soon re-open their outdoor schools for the migrant children living in the brickfields. Families are returning in search of work, the Sisters will continue to provide health care to the children and adult workers needing treatment. Please help us - help them! https://www.mwia.org.au/donate/current-appeal/

05.01.2022 Aug 19 WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY. This year the theme is #RealLifeHeroes A global campaign that celebrates humanitarians - a thank you to the people who have committed their lives to helping others. We celebrate our Sisters and Project Partners who are treating and preventing COVID-19, providing food to vulnerable people in need, providing safe spaces for women and girls in lockdown, ensuring health care; all amid the pandemic.

05.01.2022 Well done Sister Margaret Mary & our team in Timor-Leste! The community of Ostico had an existing primary school building that rats had eaten, a roof collapsing and dangerous unstable flooring. Right now - MWIA is refurbishing the building to be safe, stable, light filled and a wonderful place for 140 children to learn. The new roof is on! Stay tuned for the complete building soon! Nearly 42% of Timor-Leste’s population live below the poverty line, and children miss out on vital opportunities for learning. Children in rural areas are disproportionately affected. This school building and the education children will receive, will benefit many generations to come!

04.01.2022 Heartwarming news from our Brickfields Schools Project in India. There is no education within the brickfields except in the schools run by Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre (KMWSC) and in a few places by other NGOs. Since 2008, KMWSC has facilitated open air schools for 3-hours a day for the migrant children living in brickfields on the outskirts of Kolkata. "With immersed joy, we are proud to share that 11 Children from our different projects have successfully passed their cl...ass X board exams in 2020. All of the children belong to the vulnerable section of the society where education is a luxury. With support from KMWSC education Centres, awareness and advocacy programme, the children had done outstanding hard work to fight against all the odds to avail their right to education and move towards a better future. With a grateful heart KMWSC thanks you for supporting our projects and motivating us to continue our work to reach out to the vulnerable section of society." - Sr. Monica Suchiang To read more about the work of MWIA in India, click here: https://www.mwia.org.au/projects/india/

03.01.2022 Mission Day today at Loreto College, Marryatville, SA is themed 'Verity Vinyl' - a theme that encompasses the Mary Ward value of 'Verity'. Students will be dressing up and raising funds for MWIA Loreto Vietnam education projects. Thank you to all students, staff and parents for all your effort to raise funds during a difficult pandemic time! Together, the global communities, families and children we serve will be greatly assisted by your wonderful actions. https://www.mwia.org.au/donate/tax-deductible-donations/

02.01.2022 India's migrant workers would 'rather starve' than face humiliation of return to cities after COVID-19 lockdown. Rampukar Pandit has declared he will never return to the city where he worked as a migrant worker. Amid the flood of images showing the plight of migrant workers during India's coronavirus lockdown, a photograph of the 38-year-old breaking down in tears on the side of the road went viral. In an instant, he became a symbol of the country's migrant crisis. MWIA through our Sisters in India, distributed food and supplies to hundreds of migrant workers stranded without food or income. The brickworks and tea plantations closed, and families were left destitute. https://www.abc.net.au//plight-of-indias-migrant-/12574886 https://www.mwia.org.au/donate/current-appeal/

02.01.2022 MWIA and Loreto Vietnam are grateful for a successful end to the Vietnamese school year. 16 projects have positively impacted 55 schools and the lives of 9,520 primary and special needs students. Loreto Vietnam Director Dung Nguyen has reflected on the impact of COVID_19. He mentioned it has created opportunities to realise who and what is most important and reflect on how we can all live and contribute better. He is so thankful to all our MWIA donors and their support of the work being done in Vietnam. MWIA wishes all Loreto Vietnam students and staff a happy summer break, and we look forward to working together in the coming school year! To support MWIA projects in Vietnam, please click here: www.mwia.org.au/donate

01.01.2022 MWIA is committed to the care, wellbeing and protection of children, young people and people at risk in our community. We uphold that child protection and the dignity of every person is the responsibility of every adult.

01.01.2022 The December edition of Sustain magazine is out now. Read about the positive impact of your donations and support as well as inspirational stories from our global projects. Click this link to read the latest edition: https://www.mwia.org.au//MWA029_Sustain_DEC_2020_WEB_compr