Together, We Raised More Than $58,000 for Children in South Sudan
In August, the Mary Ward International community came together for a special 12-hour appeal to help deliver life-saving vaccinations to children in South Sudan.
We are pleased to share that, in just 12 hours, more than $58,000 was raised, helping us reach our goal and support this important work.
A generous donor offered to match donations up to $25,000, giving us the opportunity to set an ambitious target. The response from our community was remarkable, with supporters donating, sharing the appeal, and helping us reach our goal within the 12-hour campaign.
Supporting Healthcare in Rumbek, South Sudan
Funds raised through the appeal will support the Loreto Mary Ward Primary Health Care Centre and the healthcare workers who travel to remote communities around Rumbek to deliver vaccinations and essential healthcare to children and families.
Each vaccination visit is also an opportunity to monitor a child’s health and development, provide nutrition support, identify health concerns early, and offer mothers and carers practical advice to support their children’s wellbeing.
Thank You for Your Support
We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to the appeal, whether by making a donation or helping us spread the word.
Your generosity will help this important work continue and support more children in Rumbek to access the healthcare they need.
Thank you for being part of the Mary Ward International community.
A Snapshot: The Difference You've Made in 2025
Peru
Child Rights in Huaycán
In Huaycán, community commitment to children’s rights is growing. This year, 37 primary and secondary teachers participated in child protection workshops, up from just three the year before. Teachers say the program has helped them better recognise risks and changed the way they advocate for children’s wellbeing in schools.
South Sudan
Early Childhood Health and Nutrition
At the Mary Ward Health Clinic, 150 malnourished babies and 140 mothers received baby kits, essential medicines, and practical health education. Caregivers are now reporting fewer childhood illnesses, improved energy, and stronger school readiness. Described as life-changing, this program brings families and clinic staff together to nurture healthy, hopeful futures.
Zambia
Baby Milk
Over the past year, 56 undernourished babies received essential nutritional support, while their mothers and caregivers took part in health education sessions. Volunteers monitor the babies’ growth and provide intervention when needed. Some caregivers walk up to nine hours to access the service, showing extraordinary commitment to their children’s health and wellbeing.
Kenya
Combatting Human Trafficking
In Kangemi, an informal settlement in Nairobi, poverty creates conditions for exploitation. In 2025, over 26,000 people, including students, police, local leaders, and motorbike taxi drivers, took part in human trafficking awareness sessions. The community is now better equipped to prevent exploitation, with 35 people rescued and now accessing wraparound support services.
India
Collective Voices
In Darjeeling, where opportunities beyond working on a tea estate are limited, career guidance sessions are helping young people consider new directions. So far in 2025, over 50 students have explored pathways for further study and employment. Many are now pursuing courses in geography, political science, and tailoring, taking steps toward futures they once thought were out of reach.
Vietnam
Vinh Loc Learning Support Program
The Vinh Loc Learning Support Program is helping families build brighter futures through literacy. In 2025, 51 out-of-school children and three parents or grandparents joined classes to improve their reading, writing, and numeracy. These skills are helping families manage daily life, run small businesses more effectively, and inspire children to continue learning.
Timor-Leste
Mary Ward Sewing Centre
In Ostico, the Mary Ward Sewing Centre is helping women develop income-generating skills in sewing and tailoring. Participants are now learning how to produce clothes, bags, and uniforms - skills they can use to earn an income, support their families, and take an active role in shaping their community’s future.
Australia
Women’s Supported Accommodation
The Women’s Supported Accommodation project is helping vulnerable women regain control over their lives. In 2025, ten women and two single-parent families accessed safe housing, case management, and pathways to employment. Tailored support is helping them build confidence, develop independence, and take steps toward long-term stability.
How Australian Support Is Driving Global Education
Peru
Child Rights in Huaycán
The children’s rights initiative, designed for upper primary school children, initially faced challenges due to basic literacy struggles. To address this, the team expanded its focus to include literacy improvement, helping students develop foundational skills to engage in the program. As a result, academic performance has improved, ensuring all students can fully benefit from the initiative.
South Sudan
Early Childhood Health and Nutrition
Access to health education has been transformative for the people of Maker Kuei in Rumbek. Mothers and caregivers are gaining essential knowledge to improve children’s health and nutrition, especially those under five. The program encourages families to attend free medical consultations, helping address preventable illnesses like malaria.
India
Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre (KMWSC) Training Facility
The newly renovated training facility at the KMWSC head office is transforming how KMWSC delivers the educational component of its 17 community development programs. Previously, lack of transport limited rural participants’ ability to attend these sessions. The new centre removes this barrier, offering overnight accommodation and allowing participants to engage fully without the pressure of an arduous journey home.
The Loreto Community Centre is a learning hub for the people of Ostico. It currently serves as a place where English is taught to local community members, assisting them to make the most of opportunities in this fast-developing country.
HAFUCO training room in Triloca
The Mary Ward International funded training room at HAFUCO, a women-led cooperative, boosts the group’s ability to deliver maternal and child health education. Sessions are held twice a week, accommodating up to 30 participants per session, including university students from Dili who visit as part of their coursework.
Zambia
Sancta Maria College of Nursing and Midwifery
Read more here.
High School Lunch Program
In Lukulu, where many families face food insecurity, this program provides 80 students with the nutrition needed to stay focused in class. Well-fed students perform better academically, particularly in afternoon lessons, leading to improved participation and long-term success, helping them stay in school and graduate.
Diploma of Nursing Bursaries
Diploma of Nursing bursaries support students facing financial barriers, enabling access to quality education. These bursaries help students develop essential healthcare skills for remote regions, easing financial pressure while preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to improve health outcomes in underserved communities.
