JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE SOUTHERN AFRICA

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a ministry of the Society of Jesus, incorporated as an international non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organisation was founded in November 1980 and now has a presence in over 50 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office (IO) in Rome. JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs.

The main services provided are in the field of education, emergency assistance, and psychosocial support and livelihood activities. Currently, more than 724,000 individuals are direct beneficiaries of JRS projects.

JRS style of work is that of personal presence to refugees. The service must always be direct and pastoral and thus exposes staff to the sufferings and limitations of refugee life. This sometimes involves arduous physical conditions and work under stress with limited resources. Through our presence, we help to sustain hope in people who live in difficult and dangerous situations and who have every reason to despair.

To implement the goals of the organisation JRS engages people who

1.    Are ready to share in its mission

2.    Have the capacity to understand the plight of refugees

3.    Are committed to service and to justice

4.    Are willing to offer their talents and skills to support and encourage those who desire to service refugees