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.

Memory grew up in Malawi as 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 1 in 100 go to university.

Memory understandably 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 (CADECOM), 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; “Memory is a beautiful example of a young woman whose education has changed her future, as well as that of her family and her community. As the first female carpenter in her village, she is a trailblazer for other young people, and especially women and girls.”

“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.”

To support Caritas Australia’s Women for the World appeal, visit http://www.caritas.org.au/women or call 1800 024 413 toll free.