JRS South Asia

Jesuit Refugee Service

Jaume and Mayra, the Spanish Clowns Science Dreams’ team, conducted a Psycho-Social Support Workshop for the Caritas Bangladesh staff who serve the Rohingya refugee children in the Child Friendly Spaces project. JRS organized the training from May 5-10, 2018, at Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The training was joyful experience of healing and learning new skills. While practicing the specially designed clowning exercises, the trainees felt deeply relieved from stress and past traumatic experiences. They were also able to connect with their inner selves

and let go of the painful hurts in life. The PSS training has enhanced their team spirit, creating a stronger sense of unity among the staff. “I am deeply impressed to see our brothers and sisters actively participating in the clowning exercises and walking together with a positive attitude towards a shared goal, despite the diversity of our cultures and faith traditions,” said Francis Dores, from the JRS Bangladesh team.

Psycho-Social Support Workshop by Jaume and Mayra

2018MayNewsletter

Emphasizing the importance of the workshop, some participants explained that it had helped them in understanding the psychology of children. The trainees were amazed to see how children could be taught life-related topics very effectively without the help of a curriculum or books. Many shared that the skills they had learnt would help to break the monotony and ensure the joyful participation of the children in the CFS activities. The whole team felt better equipped to help the children enjoy their time together and cope better with the scars of their past and the struggles they faced in therefugee camps.

“I have overcome my deep- rooted shyness and gained confidence to conduct any games, sessions and talks for the well-being of the refugee children as well as for my own community.”

Voice of Peace - Sohadat School

“Voice of Peace” was organized on April 25, 2018, as part of the Peace Education Program in Sohadat School. A painting competition and exhibition were the major events of the annual Peace Daycelebrations, where children displayed a variety oftalents. The program started with a song on peace by the students, followed by messages from theGovernor and the Head of the EducationDepartment. They thanked JRS for initiating programs on peace building, and incorporating these into the curriculum, which helped in bringing people to live together in a peaceful environment.

Special student committees were formed to continue the peace activities. Students expressed their desire to study in a peaceful environment, and their only wish is for a peaceful Afghanistan. “Without peace we cannot continue our studies. We want peace,” they exclaimed in chorus. In the second section of the celebrations, the participants gathered around the peace garden and prayed together for a peaceful future for Afghanistan. Later, they entered the exhibition hall to view thepainting and handicrafts prepared by the students as symbols of peace. The program was well organized and all the guests and officials greatly appreciated the celebrations.

Mullaikudi Life Skill Training: 33rd Batch Graduation

The 33rd batch of Mullaikudi Life Skill Training Centre successfully completed the six-month residential training on May 7, 2018. The graduation ceremony began with an exhibition of the creative handiwork, art, craft and clothes designed and made by the trainees. The guests, parents, and JRS staff were fascinated by the variety of products and quality of the workmanship. It was a proud moment for both the trainees and their parents.The students presented the training report, followed by an entertainment program, highlighting their skills in dance and drama. The Oyilattam, Kollattam and Karagam dances were fabulous. The trainees also performed an English skit highlighting the ill-effects of social media.

One of the graduates, Ms. Mary Jasmine, proudly stated: “I have learnt tailoring, art work and beautician skills during the six-month course. I am able to speak English well and am confident to use basic computer applications. I shall resume my schooling too.” Ms. Malliga, mother of Ms. Jeya Chithra, expressed her gratitude to JRS. She explained that initially she was reluctant to send her daughter, being differently-abled, to the residential course; but added that she felt proud now to see her transformed into a confident, multi-talented young woman, thanks to the ‘magical touch’ of JRS.

“Without peace we cannot continue our studies. We want peace”

Through education, JRS guides the youth to work with confidence and dedication to fulfil their dreams. The JRS teachers are trained to be creative and carry out their responsibilities effectively. JRS HELPS TO BUILD THE FUTURE OF YOUNG GENERATIONS! Ramazani

The values of JRSHumanity shares common values of co-existence, mutual respect, understanding and hospitality. Serving with JRS has inspired me to share these human values and reach out to vulnerable people in society. As a JRS teacher, I believe that JRS gives us an opportunity to increase our knowledge, build our personality, and practice values of mutualrespect, understanding and appreciation. The programs and activities are mainly youth-oriented, and invest in youth because they are the future of Afghanistan. Parents have observed a quality difference among their children and are grateful to JRS for helping to mould a brighter future for their children. Despite the prevalent conservative traditions which dissuade the education of girls, parents encourage their daughters to participate in JRS education programs, and believe that the JRS centre is a safe place for them to study. Girls do not feel shy and participate fully in classroom activities, because they feel at ease. There are many private tuition centers, but the parents and children prefer JRS.

There are 4 words that can change the lives of the more than 33 million refugee children in the world fleeing from war, poverty or violence.

Welcome, PRoTecT, PRomoTe, INTeGRATe ...

World Refugee Day 201820 JuNe

Thank you...