Overseas Commitments

A few of our Australian sisters work overseas with other IBVM provinces, Jesuit Refugee Service and in the past with other organisations, bringing their specific gifts to Refugee camps and impoverished areas.

Courage to Move

Flags In 2003 all Provinces of the Institute were challenged to recapture the spirit of our founder and reach out to bring this opportunity of the Mary Ward charism to a part of the people of God who had not had the opportunity to meet with it. In the ensuing years there was serious discernment in each province and the process is well under way. The IBVM has in the last three years begun foundations in the Seychelles, Ecuador, Albania, Bangladesh, Ghana, Southern Sudan, Zambia and East Timor or Timor Leste as it is now known.

Timor Leste

Kids in Timor Leste In February-March, after months of preparation, three IBVM sisters left for Timor Leste. Two, Diaan Stuart and Anne Byrne, will work in Baucau. Their task will unfold but they are part of the Marist teachers College staff. In Dili, Anne Kelly will support a group setting up literacy centres in the villages. Learning Tetun, gaining some understanding of issues that face the Timorese people, making connections with various agencies have prepared them but they now face the reality of this poorest of poor countries. Watch this space for ongoing news!

Loreto Vietnam

Trish Franklin with with kids from Son Ca 3 Kindergarten A commitment of the whole Australian Province has been to initiate an ongoing venture in Vietnam: the Loreto Vietnam-Australia Program (LVAP). As an Order, we take responsibility for this outreach, in partnership with local groups in Vietnam and with Australian Volunteers International. The Program has won world-wide acclaim for its well targeted projects to help young Vietnamese students in rural and inner city areas, providing endless educational opportunities; safe housing; supporting vision-impaired children; and launching a highly resourced school for children with intellectual disabilities. Added to the support of the children is LVAP's strong focus on the professional development of Staff in all projects. One sister working in Ho Chi Minh City has negotiated intricate networks of government bodies and involved expatriate Australians. These projects show the difference that one person can make with the support of an influential network, if she has a passion for those who are on the fringes of society.

Loreto Vietnam-Australia Program celebrates 10 years

On the 23 September 2007 LVAP celebrates 10 years. Thanks to ongoing support from the Australian community, some of the recent initiatives include:

Sunlight House

physical, medical, educational and social support
apprenticeship opportunities
possibilities of reunion with families
creative experiences through art and sport
swimming programs
a safe place to live.

Rural Schools

scholarship funding
school uniforms
new bicycles to transport students to school.

School for Vision Impaired

opportunity to learn a second language - English
increased self confidence to attend mainstream school
development of communication skills.

Sunrise Special School

developmental activities in music, art, sport, library, rehabilitation and water therapy
new musical instruments
modern well equipped computer rooms
friendly, dedicated and expertly trained teachers
teachers study English to enhance their professional development.

For further information about the program please email loreto@hcm.vnn.vn