In a world where refugees are often vilified and denied their fundamental human rights, JRS offers accompaniment as a sign of hope and a path towards healing.

Our mission is made possible by a dedicated team of over 8,000 women and men who walk alongside refugees every single day. On World Humanitarian Day, we want to share some of their voices.

Accompaniment in Uganda: Hombeline

Hombeline is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and has been living as a refugee in Uganda since 2017. She has always dedicated her life to serving others. In her home country, she was responsible for livelihood programmes at JRS.

Her life changed dramatically when, due to an armed attack, she and her family were forced to flee to Uganda. Despite the challenges of rebuilding her life in a foreign country, Hombeline never stopped accompanying those who needed it the most. In Uganda, she serves as Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer at JRS.

“Although my life took a drastic turn and I questioned why things had to be so difficult, working with JRS Uganda has provided me with many opportunities […]. Most importantly, it has taught me to appreciate the miracle of every day. I have empathised with those I once served and advocated for the marginalised with a deeper understanding of their struggles. This experience has shown me that maybe I was born to advocate for those in need, and I am grateful for the chance to walk alongside them on the journey […].”

Accompaniment in Indonesia: Fr Dam SJ

Fr Dam was introduced to the work of JRS Indonesia during his formation as a Jesuit. In 2016, Fr Dam joined JRS as a Field Officer, working closely every day with the people served.

Becoming Country Director of JRS Indonesia, based in the Jakarta regional office, made it more difficult for Fr Dam to encounter refugees. Despite this, he continues to maintain a relationship with the refugee community and to involve them in the creation and implementation of projects and activities.

“I think the personal encounter with refugees is very important. And it has transformed me. Accompanying refugees, it’s not just about delivering services, but it means being with them, talking to them, and being inspired by them. Becoming friends. I think the negative narrative about refugees is due to the loss of connection, of mutual friendship with them. So, accompaniment means meeting refugees as companions on our journey together.”

Accompaniment in Cameroon: Fatimatou

Fatimatou is from Kete, Cameroon, where she has dedicated herself to the art of sewing since 2009. Her work as a seamstress enabled her to support herself and her two daughters, but Fatimatou wanted to pass on her experience to other young women and girls so that they too could stand on their own feet.

In 2023, she started collaborating with JRS as a teacher in a sewing vocational training programme. She accompanies young women from both local and refugee communities in their professional development as seamstresses.

“It is very important for me to train girls. I help and train these girls so they can progress. You can’t keep your experience to yourself!”

Accompaniment at the US/Mexico border: Fr Sotelo SJ

Fr Sotelo is originally from the United States. After serving in a parish in San Francisco in 1980 and as novice master for Jesuits in Jamaica for part of the 1990s, he joined JRS in 1999. His superior sent him to El Paso, Texas, to serve people detained at the El Paso detention centre.

Fr Sotelo is now the Director of the JRS/USA’s chaplaincy programme in El Paso. He accompanies men and women detainees who are facing a challenging time during their journey, offering them a space of solace and hope regardless of their religious beliefs.

“JRS was built to go where others are not. We do the most we can, and we do it with compassion.”

What does accompaniment mean to JRS’s Country Directors?