The Jesuit HAKIMANI Centre (JHC) in Nairobi, Kenya is thinking positive.
With one in six young Kenyans unemployed, a positive attitude change is needed and work alternatives found and developed into businesses. In fact, according to the Kenya Standard “The future of Kenya’s competitiveness in the global economy remains bleak as the country struggles to contain the heaviest youth unemployment burden in East Africa.”
The desire to learn in both refugee and local communities in Maban, South Sudan is strong. JRS trains teachers to help improve their skills in the classroom.(Angela Wells/Jesuit Refugee Service)
Shane Burke works for the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Shane made the decision to volunteer his time and skills through the Voluntary Missionary Movement in Ireland. He shares updates with the Irish Jesuit Missions on Kakuma Refugee camp in Kenya and on Northern Uganda where there is a growing influx of refugees especially from conflict-ridden South Sudan.
A young boy's drawing shows his view on life before and after displacement. (Jacquelyn Pavilon / Jesuit Refugee Service).
“How do you become an integrated adult when you’ve been killing people?”
The question drives Fr Eric and Gavin Brasci of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) to search for sustainable answers. On June 12th, World Day Against Child Labour, it is more pertinent than ever. In 2017 the focus is on the impact of conflicts and disasters on children and youth and the work they can be forced into doing as a result.
“How did God take me out of that small village and plant me in Hong Kong!” Fr Freddy Deignan SJ laughs when he recalls his little home town of Mullen in County Cavan, Ireland. In an interview with John Guiney SJ, he looks back over his long life as a Jesuit educator.
Jose Ignacio Garcia SJ,Director JRS Europe,on laptop,engages with Spanish representatives
“Go to the frontiers” urged Pope Francis to members of the Society of Jesus in Rome last year. At a seminar held in Dublin entitled ‘From Access to Integration’, Jose Ignacio Garcia SJ, Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe observed, “The frontiers have moved into our classrooms.”
