Thanks to the compassionate bequests of Jesuit Mission supporters, the ‘Enhancing the Lives of People Living with a Disabilty Program’ has been creating lasting change since 2020.

This life-changing and inspiring program is breaking down barriers, fighting discrimination and empowering children and adults living with intellectual disabilities to go to school, learn essential life skills and realise their full potential.

Maly

For Maly, now 15, the program has been transformative.

At age seven, her intellectual disability meant she struggled to walk, talk, perform self-care or learn the fundamentals at school. Sadly, she was shunned by her classmates and excluded from the community.

Today, thanks to the specialist support she’s received through the ‘Enhancing Lives’ program, Maly is thriving.

She attends a mainstream high school, speaks with confidence, has many friends, and participates fully in family and community life.

“We are very proud of our daughter – she will go on to have a bright future.”

Maly’s parents

The Enhancing Lives program

Supporting 2,800 people in 2024, this vital program is opening up new pathways for previously excluded people to pursue full, active lives as valued members of their communities.

Through this initiative, 91 school-aged children with intellectual disabilities have been successfully integrated into public schools, while 325 children now receive essential home-based care.

The program also addresses families’ basic needs, providing rice and food support during difficult times, as well as water filters, toilets, and even chickens to help generate income at home.

Beyond education and livelihood support, the program works closely with school directors to reduce discrimination and promote inclusion. Physiotherapy services and training have helped children like Maly gain mobility.

We are deeply grateful to every person who has made the compassionate decision to leave a gift in their Will to Jesuit Mission. You are helping more children like Maly overcome barriers and embrace a future filled with possibility.

This story featured in our Gratitude Report 2024. Download the report

Find out more

• Read more about the Enhancing Lives program
  
• About Gifts in Wills