You might see an Ethiopian child with a baby on her back looking at you from the side of a bus as it travels throughout the Hunter this month.
Waiting in traffic, reflecting on the day you’ve just had, you might spare a thought for what this child’s day looks like. Her family is one of the 70% of Ethiopian families who struggle to put food on their tables.
This month, Catholic Mission is reaching out to the Newcastle and Hunter community to bring hope to families in need in Ethiopia.
Newcastle-based Diocesan Director, David McGovern, says this is the perfect time to get involved.
“It is an invitation to make a difference,” he says.
“This is about connecting with the wider community, and now is the right time to get involved.”
By sharing stories and raising awareness about the challenges faced by families in Ethiopia, Catholic Mission is providing the local Newcastle and Hunter community a way to connect with the communities in Ethiopia.
“By collecting donations here in Newcastle and the Hunter, we will be able to support projects in Ethiopia through our network of mission partners,” he said.
“This year, our aim is to create a goat rearing centre to address malnutrition issues faced by families in Emdibir, a rural area of Ethiopia. This project will empower the local community by giving them tools to feed their families, fight youth unemployment, and access agricultural training.
“We do it with the local community.
“The church, as a hub, provides the platform to connect locally at a root level and address social justice issues; as a church it’s not just about four walls.
“Catholic Mission offers you a tangible way to reach out and help others,” shared Renata, a local mother from Maryville.
“By hearing and sharing the stories of families in need in Ethiopia, there is a desire to create a deeper connection between the communities despite the distance.
“While they can’t come to Australia to tell us their stories, we can hear about their lives and offer our support.”
