An update on the emergency response in Ukraine

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In just over a hundred days, close to 7 million refugees have fled the war in Ukraine.

Thanks to your support, our partner Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe remains on the ground 24/7 delivering vital services to people in need.

The Jesuit response to the Ukraine emergency continues to develop across Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia with the coordination of both Jesuit Refugee Service Europe and the Xavier Network.

According to the UN over 5.2 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance. 

The Jesuits have introduced a holistic global program which encompasses four dimensions of the emergency response:  

Many Ukrainian women who have fled to neighbouring countries with their children, have chosen to join the local JRS teams to support other Ukrainian families in desperate need.

Educational and recreational activities, such as art therapy and dance classes are supporting the mental and physical well-being of children.

If you'd like to donate to our Emergency Action Fund you can donate online now. Since 2020, our Emergency Action Fund has helped deliver immediate help and ongoing support to over 600,000 people around the world. We are so grateful for your ongoing support - with your help, we can continue to ensure urgent support is delivered where it’s needed most.

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Thank you to those who attended our Ukraine Emergency Response Webinar last week!

For those who missed out we are excited to be able to share the video here with you all.

The webinar outlined the swift international effort of the Jesuit network in supporting thousands of vulnerable refugees fleeing the crisis in Ukraine.

We spoke with special guests and project partners of Jesuit Mission, Fr Alberto Ares SJ, Director of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe and Fr Marius Talos SJ, Director of Jesuit Refugee Service Romania, who are both managing the situation on the ground.

“The Society of Jesus activated the emergency response in less than a week. We opened houses from the very beginning to welcome arriving refugees and provided critical support for vulnerable people, including children with cancer and other serious health concerns." - Fr Alberto

Thanks to a partnership between Jesuit Mission through Xavier Network and JRS (JRS) Europe, at-risk communities fleeing the Ukraine are being provided with emergency shelter, food, psychosocial support, medical escorts, translation and accompaniment.

“JRS Romania has already attended to more than 10,000 refugees, supporting different aspects of their needs, from welcoming to integrating them." - Fr Marius

Among these refugees, more than half are children, who have walked for two days to arrive at the border exhausted and traumatised. 

“Meeting an 11-year-old boy (refugee) carrying his trolley without any adult accompanying him, is the most shattering image I have ever witnessed." - Fr Marius

“So, in front of destruction and shattering dreams, we have to propose and to promote the building up of opportunity and provide long term solutions including schooling, housing and services of integration." - Fr Marius

The current crisis in Ukraine has prompted dialogue on the plight of refugees around the world, especially with the European Union agreeing in record time to activate protection and legal status to help people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

“Unfortunately, I think refugees and migrants, especially from other continents are treated as scape goats and do not receive the same treatment in Europe. Migration is often instrumentalised to generate fear and polarisation." - Fr Alberto

However, the Jesuits in Europe are ensuring that refugees are treated with dignity, and they are  going above and beyond in delivering both immediate and long-term support for those in desperate need. Dance classes and playrooms for children have additionally been set up to allow people to temporarily disconnect from the reality of the world and to laugh.

“For years we have been suffering from social distancing, finally, with this crisis, we are all witnessing and experiencing the importance of social proximity." - Fr Marius

Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters, Jesuit Mission has extraordinarily raised nearly half a million dollars to support JRS Europe’s emergency response to welcome refugees in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries.

We are so incredibly grateful for every single donation – these gifts are already making a tangible difference supporting Ukrainian people when they are at their most vulnerable.

If you would like to support refugees fleeing the crisis in Ukraine, you can donate here.

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This month marks the 20^th anniversary since the opening of the Jesuit-run secondary school NOSSEF (Escola Secundaria Católica Nossa Senhora de Fátima) in Railaco, Timor-Leste.

Congratulations NOSSEF for 20 years of bringing hope and opportunity to rural students in Railaco and thank you to our friends at St Canice's Kings Cross Parish, who have been supporting the school since the beginning and Pilgrims 100 in South Australia for its support last year.

NOSSEF plays a vital role in educating the youth of Railaco and building them up to be future leaders of Timor-Leste. Today the school educates over 380 students from Year 10 to Year 12.

“The students’ commitment to their education, their commitment to the Jesuit and Ignatian ethos, as well as their passion and desire to contribute to change in their country has been so humbling to watch.” - Helen Forde

NOSSEF has an outstanding track record of a 100% pass rate in the national examinations, a testament to the quality of education delivered by the teachers and the learning capacity of the students.

It’s incredible to see what has been achieved in 20 years.

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Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers and supporters who made the Maytime Fair so special this year. It was great to be back as one Jesuit Mission family at Xavier College after a two-year fair hiatus.

Together, schools, parishes, teachers, students, parents and long-time supporters came together for a fantastic day of community spirit, to uplift vulnerable communities overseas.

“I was in awe of the committee and the volunteers. In spite of the many challenges this year, a two-year gap, COVID-19 and unpredictable weather, you created a new fair, which took a huge amount of courage and commitment." - Fr Paul Horan SJ, Hazaribag Missionary of 40 years and Companion of Jesuit Mission.

Thanks to your generosity, the Maytime Fair has been held at Xavier College on the first Saturday in May since 1952, raising funds to support at-risk communities in over 10 countries in Asia and Africa.

“On behalf of the Jesuits, I would like to thank you all for your courage and dedication in supporting our mission." - Fr Paul

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It was great to see so many of our friends attend our Ukraine Emergency Response Webinar! For those who missed out we are very pleased to be able to share it here with you all.

We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to hear from Jesuit partners Fr Alberto Ares SJ, Regional Director of Jesuit Refugee Service Europe - JRS and Fr Marius Talos SJ, Director of JRS Romania, who are managing the Jesuits' emergency response on the ground.

Once again, we'd like to thank you for your ongoing support. Your generosity empowers vulnerable refugees fleeing the crisis in Ukraine.

If you'd like to contribute to the Jesuit Mission Emergency Action Fund to help deliver ongoing support to Ukrainian people in desperate need, click here.

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On Saturday 7 May, thousands of people in Melbourne will spill through the gates of Xavier College for the return of Jesuit Mission’s annual fundraising event, the Maytime Fair.

The Maytime Fair has been held at Xavier College on the first Saturday in May since 1952, raising funds to support the many educational and social outreach programs of Jesuit Mission overseas.

“After an absence of two years due to COVID-19 restrictions, I am delighted to be able to welcome everyone again to this year’s Maytime Fair. It's wonderful to be able to renew our long tradition of coming together in May as a Jesuit community to support vulnerable communities overseas," - Helen Forde, CEO of Jesuit Mission.

All proceeds from the day go directly towards supporting at-risk communities across over 10 countries in Asia and Africa, including Cambodia, Timor-Leste, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malawi and more.

Since the year 2000, the Maytime Fair has raised over $3 million to help provide a range of targeted support and training that empowers women, men and children to develop the skills and capacity to lift themselves out of poverty and injustice. 

The success of the Maytime Fair in supporting vulnerable communities overseas, is hinged upon the hard work and effort of hundreds of generous volunteers, who plan and prep year-round; baking, cooking, creating, gathering and preparing goods to be sold.

“Parents, students and friends of Jesuit Mission generously work together tirelessly to raise funds for people they will never meet, but whose lives are dramatically changed by their efforts,” - Katrina Varis, Maytime Fair Committee Chair.

Many of the Fair’s offerings, including fresh produce, preserves, baked goods, crafts, wine auctions, competitions and entertainment, are also donated at little to no cost by vendors.  

The Fair will include amusements and games for children of all ages as well as a variety of music, a huge array of food outlets and stalls, plant stalls, a second hand book store, cakes and confectionery, raffles and lots more. 

Your attendance at the Maytime Fair will help fund life-changing teaching and education programs; provide food and essential services to refugees displaced by conflict; provide healthcare and livelihood training to vulnerable communities and provide emergency relief to those most affected by disasters.

You are invited to join the Xavier College community in supporting Jesuit Mission at the Maytime Fair on Saturday 7 May. 

When: 9:00am – 5:00pm Saturday 7 May 2022 
Where: Xavier College Senior Campus, 135 Barkers Road, Kew 

For more details visit the Maytime Fair Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/events/388398716490005.

Those people unable to attend the Maytime Fair can support vulnerable communities by purchasing a ticket in Jesuit Mission’s annual raffle below.

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For Loyola College graduate Fernandito, your support is easing the financial burden of education on his family.

At 21 years old, Fernandito from the rural community Ulmera-Liquica in Timor-Leste, was one of the first batch of students selected for a university scholarship program when he graduated from Loyola College in 2019.

Run by our project partner, the Jesuits in Timor-Leste, the scholarship program aims to increase the number of qualified university graduates from vulnerable families in Ulmera-Liquica, Timor-Leste.

From hearing about the opportunity, Fernandito immediately applied and was eager to take his education to the next level.  

“My family lives a very simple life. My father is a teacher, and my mother is only a housewife. Many times, my father struggled to cover all the expenses of the house, my sibling’s education and many other things. So, this financial aid is truly the best for us all.” - Fernandito

“Now I have enough money to buy school supplies, for photocopying, fuel, food, phonecards, buy some of my clothes for school. My parents do not have to worry about all these things anymore. I just have to do my best to succeed." [break height=20] “My hope is to finish my studies in 2023 and find a good job to support my family and my community." - Fernandito

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When Niamh, a year 8 student from Loreto College Queensland, heard about the Jesuit Mission Ukraine Emergency Appeal, she knew that she could do something to help.

Over the Easter break, Niamh dedicated her time to arrange a bake sale after Easter Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church in Queensland, and impressively raised almost $2,500 for those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

“I can’t emphasise enough how this was started and driven by Niamh herself. We really wanted to call out her wonderful effort, giving up a large part of her Easter holidays to make it happen.” - Conor, Niamh's father.

Niamh made the flyer that she emailed and texted to family and friends, asking them to support her by contributing to the bake sale. Later she approached local shops and bakeries asking them to contribute as well, a number of which did, including Botanica and Bakers Delight.

Following this, Niamh started baking by herself over several days.

“Niamh visited the Ukraine Society in Holland Park to get a Ukraine flag for the table. There she saw first-hand Ukrainian refugees who had escaped Ukraine via Poland and made their way to Australia. It really hit home how real and important this appeal is for people.” - Conor, Niamh's father.

The response from the community was amazing and Niamh is very grateful for the support from her friends and family. It is fantastic to see the youth of today take positive social action and care for their sisters and brothers overseas. Thank you Niamh!

The Jesuit Mission Ukraine Emergency Appeal is delivering immediate support - including emergency shelter, food and essential items, medical escorts, translation and accompaniment to those fleeing the crisis in Ukraine.

If you would like to support refugees fleeing the crisis in Ukraine, you can donate here.

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This month’s eNews coincides with World Water Day on 22 March. We reached out to Jose, the Program Manager Assistant for Jesuit Social Service’s (JSS) Water Project in Timor-Leste on the importance of his role.

[quotes]“I started working here in mid-2021. JSS needed a person to help in accelerating the implementation of the water project in rural areas and I was hired for the job.”[/quotes][quotes_author color="#000"] Jose [/quotes_author] [break height=30] [quotes]“I hope to give more formation on water management and also on environment protection, how to take care of water by protecting and conserving the ecosystem that supports the sustainability of water."[/quotes] [break height=20] [quotes] “What I like the most about this program is that I can be part of the JSS team and I can apply my knowledge and skills to help others."[/quotes][quotes_author color="#000"] Jose [/quotes_author] [break height=30]

Prior to his role at JSS, Jose studied community development at university and was also a coordinator and activities organiser for Magis group in Timor-Leste.

Now his tasks include contacting beneficiaries and coordinators at the project locations in order to organise meetings and mobilise the resources needed to finish the establishment of the water facilities.

Thanks to your generosity, Jesuit Mission’s partnership with JSS has brought clean water to more than 12 rural villages, transforming the lives of thousands of people.

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Thanks to your generosity, 8,000 at-risk children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam received emergency food packages and milk.

For three months in 2021, Ho Chi Minh City was in complete lockdown, where residents were forbidden from leaving their homes – even to shop for food, or exercise. Soldiers enforced stay at home orders and helped with limited food deliveries. 

These restrictions to control the spread of COVID 19, since lifted, forced millions of migrant workers out of employment and into emergency levels of poverty and hunger. Mothers were struggling to feed their babies because of poor diet, leaving thousands of children malnourished.

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