Education is a basic human right that works to raise people out of poverty, but worldwide 244 million children and youth are still out of school.1 Without an education it is hard to participate in our community and reach our full potential.

Ronita is 22 years old. She lives in the Philippines with her husband Lean and their two children, Egzy Grey who is 3 years old and Clark who is 5 years old. Ronita’s husband works seven days a week in waste disposal, from 3 am to 9 pm each day. It is exhausting work, made harder by the very hot climate. Despite this, Ronita and her husband are only able to rent a very small brick room (measuring around 10 square metres). Ronita described their living conditions: “We will carry a pail [from a neighbour] and we will put it in our drums so we can have water. And it's very difficult because it's too small. When you come to our house, when you open the door, that's it. We don't have room. We don't have anything. When you open it, the kitchen, the living room, the room, it's already in one place.” Ronita left school early to start her family. But without completing secondary school, it would be hard for Ronita to earn money to overcome the cycle of poverty.

Thankfully, Ronita heard about an Alternative Learning System (ALS) program run by Caritas Australia’s partner in the Philippines, the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ).

Upcoming Faith Formation Events

First Eucharist and Reconciliation Sacramental Program Weeks 2-7

Yr 6 Reflection Day - 7^th March

Year 9 Retreat (Cootamundra) -12^th March

Year 8 Retreat (Cootamundra) - 13th March

Yr 1 Reflection Day - 21^st March