In July, two members of the Overseas Partnerships Program Standing Committee travelled to Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand to strengthen our Twinning relationships with partner countries. Twinning is a partnership between two Conferences or Councils, one in Australia and one overseas with less access to resources, that consist of sharing in prayer, friendship and material resources.

Mike Reynolds (a Member from NSW and the National Twinning Officer) and Anita Williams (a Member from Victoria and the National Assist A Student Coordinator) were invited to attend the 2025 Asia National Council Presidents’ Seminar, held in Malaysia.

Seminar attendees included representatives from the Society in countries Australia partners with through the Twinning and Assist A Student programs, including Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines and Thailand. Additionally, there were Society representatives from Bangladesh, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The purpose of the seminar was to better equip National Presidents and key leaders in leading their Conferences, and to provide a platform for connection, building a spirit of fraternity, unity and collaboration – echoing the vision of the Society’s founders in serving those in need with love and humility. The topics discussed included revitalisation of Conferences, youth, leadership, safeguarding, and Twinning. A number of countries were given the opportunity to share information about their Good Works and there was a lot of time for networking.

‘The seminar was an important opportunity to come together as one, in our shared Vincentian spirituality. It was great to speak directly with and spend time sharing with the countries which we are Twinned – to learn about their works and understand their challenges,’ Anita said. For Mike, his biggest takeaway from the Seminar was the ‘solidarity that is within the Society; there were so many people coming together from different backgrounds under one Christian message.’

A highlight for Mike was hearing the extraordinary stories of Members in other countries where the Members themselves have experienced oppression due to their geopolitical situation or where they financially and materially do not have a lot themselves but found a way to help those in need. But, he said, ‘seeing them all together with so much positivity is encouraging.’

Following on from the seminar, Anita and Mike travelled to Cambodia and Thailand and met with members of the National Councils there. The purpose of these additional visits was to strengthen the Twinning relationship with these countries and to learn more about their works.

In both Cambodia and Thailand, they were able to meet with local Members and hear about the works they do. In Thailand, Anita and Mike joined local Members on their home visits. They were also able to see the impact of Projects funded by Twinned Conferences in Australia.

In Cambodia, Anita and Mike met students who have had their education needs supported through the Assist A Student program. Anita reflected on this experience, ‘Assist A Student has a significant and meaningful impact for the students and their families. The students we met shared that they enjoy going to school.’ The Assist A Student program is providing greater opportunities for students to engage in their education.

Some of the key takeaways for Anita and Mike were understanding some of the specific needs of Members in partner countries and the people they assist. Mike said, ‘they’re working really hard in other countries. They’re committed to the Vincentian spirit and helping others. They enjoy the opportunities that arise through Twinning. They look forward to communicating with their Twins, praying for them, and working with the financial assistance given to them for the betterment of others.’

They encouraged Members in Australia to look for opportunities to foster stronger communication between Twinned Conferences and Councils. Anita echoed Mike’s sentiments stating, ‘with Twinning it can be easy as a Conference Member to focus on the money that we send to a Twin. However, as Vincentians we know that relationships and knowing someone on a personal level is just as important. The shared correspondence, the prayer and solidarity are important to our Twins. Just as we should look for Jesus in the poor, we can see the Holy Spirit in the Society.’ 

Visit vinnies.link/assistastudent to learn more about the Assist A Student program.