“The year started with 168 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. COVID-19 has massively increased these needs. The impact on the poorest and most vulnerable is devastating and levels of human suffering are spiraling out of control,” - Dominic MacSorley, Concern
“Joy is a perfect word as Mary’s Meals bring so much joy to the children, their families, their teachers, their communities,” said organiser Patricia Friel.
Trócaire well project has changed our lives, says Malawi village leader Fastino Kimwendo.
“The terrible suffering of our brothers and sisters in southern Africa as a result of Cyclone Idai cries out for a generous response on our part.”
Food, shelter, medicines, safe water and other basics are the most immediate needs of flood victims who are staying in evacuation centres.
Trócaire is deeply embedded in Irish culture and is an organisation people in Ireland are rightly proud of, said Caoimhe de Barra.
“Like a free press, a free civil society is fundamental to democracy.” - Éamonn Meehan, executive director of Trócaire
“2016 saw the scale of humanitarian need in the world reach record levels with over 130 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Ireland is committed to providing humanitarian assistance to ease the plight of civilians caught up in conflicts and natural disasters,” - Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, T.D.
"Our true success is reflected in the lives that are changed for the better in places that face extraordinary challenges, such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, and parts of Kenya and India. It is inspiring to see a life transformed due the active care and belief of a missionary.”
As head of the diplomatic corps in Ethiopia at the time of the famine, Archbishop Thomas White was responsible for coordinating the contributions of many countries and charities in support of those who were starving.
Originally from Co Tipperary, Bishop John Ryan joined the Kiltegan order in 1970. Since 1978 he has been involved in pastoral work in Malawi and in teaching mathematics at the University of Mzuzu,
“If we wait to see the images that haunted us thirty years ago before we intervene, we will have failed the people of Ethiopia."
Rev Professor John A. Ryan of St Patrick’s Missionary Society has been selected as the new Bishop of Mzuzu.
“Every single year, poor countries lose approximately €150 billion due to tax dodging by wealthy individuals and companies.”
“We are being confronted with a human tragedy that requires a generous political and church partnership to help meet the needs of these vulnerable people."
Last year public donated €23 million to programmes which benefited 2.4 million people in 24 countries according to annual report.
Collaboration between Trócaire and Poetry Ireland is open to all writers from published poets to primary school students.
"We have been helped enormously by our brothers and sisters in Ireland and other countries and this sustains us mentally, spiritually and financially.”
On behalf of the Irish people, President pays tribute to the “courageous” health workers, doctors and nurses, battling to contain the virus.
Climate change, Trócaire director warns, is the single biggest threat to humanity but the political system has refused to address it.
