http://Internationaljrs.com/EAR Latest News and Information Sat, 19 May 2012 02:59:04 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120409123518 Vavuniya, 1 May, 2012 — Sri Lanka concluded its war on May 18, 2009. It is estimated that more than 300,000 were forcibly displaced, having lost almost everything during the conflict, and between 40,000 –140,000 were killed in the final phase of the war alone. Tue, 01 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120409123518 http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120327121132 (Washington, D.C.) April 1, 2012 — The Chin people in Mizoram State, India, live in a protracted, urban refugee situation and face daunting problems related to protection, livelihood, health, and education. While many have been there for years, new arrivals continue, including many youth who are fleeing forced conscription by the Burmese military. Sun, 01 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120327121132 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120330125344_a (Bangkok) March 31, 2012 — To Berlin, Bogotá, Bangkok. UN statistics show that most refugees around the world are going to cities. But do they all face similar obstacles in their new host cities? Are there common approaches Jesuit Refugee Service can take to serve refugees living in urban areas? At a recent meeting, JRS staff from more than 25 countries gave a qualified yes to these questions. Sat, 31 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120330125344_a http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120313065818_a (Denver) March 13, 2012 — The first Jesuit Commons: Higher Education at the Margins Think Tank at Regis University came to a conclusion March 8 with a final round of spirited discussions, poignant presentations and the promise of recommendations that will guide the organization’s future in bring Jesuit higher education to those at the margins of our society. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120313065818_a http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120307083526_a_a (Denver) March 7, 2012 — Participants at the first international Jesuit Commons: Higher Education at the Margins 'Think Tank' at Regis University hope to expand the vision and outreach of JC:HEM to empower those at the very edges of our societies through access to Jesuit higher education, so that together we may foster hope to create a more peaceful and humane world. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120307083526_a_a http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120301010421_a (Denver) March 2, 2012 — Jesuit Commons: Higher Education at the Margins is an initiative of the Society of Jesus that brings Jesuit higher education to those at the margins of our society. JC:HEM works with Jesuit Refugee Service, which has enabled more than 250 refugees to study courses online and on-site in partnership with a global network of Jesuit universities. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120301010421_a http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120223024555 (Phnom Penh) March 1, 2012 — Before Mohammed fled Burma, he was often stopped by the authorities on his way to school and sent to work in military camps. There he was made to cook, clean and carry heavy building materials, and he was punished when his captors were unhappy with his work. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120223024555 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120319033038 Nimule, 22 February 2012 – JRS peace facilitators in Nimule, South Sudan, have been given the unique opportunity to meet the needs of their communities more effectively with the purchase of nine brand new bicycles. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120319033038 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120308053516 Yei, 4 February 2012 – An entrepreneurial women's group based in Yei, South Sudan, has seen profits grow quickly after the recent installation of a JRS-funded grinding mill. The mill is set to improve the livelihoods of 24 women and their families. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120308053516 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120202041536_a Addis Ababa, 02 February 2012 – An inspirational workshop has provided a group of refugees and asylum seekers in Ethiopia with an appreciation of gender roles and equality as a basis to work towards behavioural change. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120202041536_a http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111222120242 (Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo) February 1, 2012 — About two million people have been internally displaced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by armed conflicts. The situation here is characterized by chronic and rampant sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111222120242 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120118041641_a Nimule, 18 January 2012 – The last group of teachers officially graduated from their training programme in December as the Jesuit Refugee Service prepares to wind down activities in South Sudan. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120118041641_a http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120118044727_a Dollo Ado, 18 January 2012 – Towards the end of 2011, JRS officially opened the first phase of its latest project, offering long-term assistance to Somali refugees in Melkadida camp, Dollo Ado, through education services, psychosocial counselling, and sports and recreational activities for young people. JRS seeks to provide tangible skills to Somali refugees in Melkadida camp ensuring their time spent in exile is not wasted. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120118044727_a http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20111216074130_a Addis Ababa, 16 December 2011 – With information and care, there is every reason to believe the number of women with fistula could be drastically reduced. This is what the more than 100 students from the JRS Refugee Community Centre (RCC) in Addis Ababa heard on a recent visit to a rehabilitation centre for women on the outskirts of the Ethiopian capital. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20111216074130_a http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111114014723 Geneva, December 1, 2011 — The mission of Jesuit Refugee Service is to accompany, serve and plead the cause of refugees and forcibly displaced persons. Accompaniment, I have learned, is by its very nature reciprocal. It cannot be done alone and it cannot be done in a unilateral fashion. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111114014723 http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111007011339 Bangkok, Thailand, November 1, 2011 — Ahmadiyya Muslim refugees were forced to flee Pakistan due to religious persecution. August was a particularly challenging and happy month as this year it marked Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. During Ramadan, they are not allowed to eat or drink during sunlight hours, a challenge in the Cambodian heat. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111007011339 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20111021093314_a Kampala, 21 October 2011 – In late September what at first glance seemed like a routine trip to the zoo, went a long way to bringing normality and as such important psychosocial benefits to refugee students in the JRS English class in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20111021093314_a http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20111021094524_a Kampala, 21 October 2011 – Refugees from Burundi are concerned for their safety, citing the effects of increasing violence and corruption at home and a challenging asylum process in Uganda as the main sources of insecurity in their lives. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20111021094524_a http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110915035813 Nairobi, Kenya, October 1, 2011 – Since the beginning of the drought and hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa in July, tens of thousands of refugees have fled Somalia, most of them into Kenya and Ethiopia. They march for days or even weeks. Some do not survive the journey; others lose family members on the way or have to leave them behind. Sat, 01 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110915035813 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110916035929 Nimule, 13 September 2011 – Sixty women in three sub-counties of Magwi County, South Sudan, now have an independent source of income baking bread, after JRS constructed three ovens for them. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110916035929 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110916041218 Addis Ababa, 12 September 2011 – Thirty asylum seekers and undocumented refugees learned how to stay healthy by participating in a four-day workshop organised by JRS on how to promote health and prevent diseases in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110916041218 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110909070224 Lobone,8 September 2011 – Every year on September 8 since 1965,the world commemorates International Literacy Day to draw attention to the importance of education as a fundamental human right,a tool for personal empowerment and a means for development. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110909070224 http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110818092110 (Aleppo, Syria) September 1, 2011 — Since the beginning of this year, the situation in a number of Arab countries has changed considerably — caused in great part by popular political movements. This has not only led to changes in the political regimes or bloody confrontations, but has also created much forced displacement of peoples. Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110818092110 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110905034102 Lobone, 29 August 2011 – Seven teachers from three community-run secondary schools in Lobone, South Sudan, have acquired sufficient knowledge to help their fellow teachers with lesson preparation, observation, presentation and efficient classroom communication after participating in a three day workshop. Mon, 29 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110905034102 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110818012403 Nairobi/Dollo Ado, 16 August 2011 – JRS Eastern Africa Director, Frido Pflueger SJ, just came back from a visit to the Dollo Ado refugee camps in south-east Ethiopia. In an interview he describes his impressions of the situation on the ground and explains how JRS will become involved. Tue, 16 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110818012403 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110905035313 Addis Ababa, 12 August 2011– Twenty-eight young refugees came together to discuss how to best adapt to a new country during a half-day panel discussion hosted by JRS on occasion of the UN International Youth Day at the Refugee Community Center in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110905035313 http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110712013941 (Washington, D.C.) August 1, 2011 — Refugees don’t leave their countries simply because things are difficult, they leave because their lives are in danger and the situation is hopeless. They are driven by hope to seek new opportunities, not just for themselves, but, for their children. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110712013941 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110729071307 Nairobi, 29 July 2011 – The UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) called on states to contribute 300 million US dollars for emergency relief over the next three months and a further 1.6 billion US dollars over the next 12 months. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110729071307 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110729073642 Nairobi, 28 July 2011 – Sexual violence seems to be on the increase among refugees in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.Since the beginning of this year, more refugees have spoken out about being victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Thu, 28 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110729073642 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110726025425 Nairobi, Rome, Washington DC, 26 July 2011 – In the midst of one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent times affecting the Horn of Africa, the Jesuit Refugee Service has announced plans to step up ongoing work for Somalis in Ethiopia and Kenya, and establish new services in the former. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110726025425 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110722092937 Kakuma, 20 July 2011 – In June 2011, Jesuit Refugee Service Kakuma began constructing four additional rooms in its "Safe Haven" protection centre, hosting women and children who are survivors of gender based violence. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110722092937 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110722093844 Addis Ababa, 18 July 2011 – Eighteen asylum seekers and undocumented refugees now have sufficient knowledge to start their own business, after participating in a four-day workshop in basic business skills, organised by JRS in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110722093844 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110830062945 Rome, 15 July 2011 – The Jesuit Refugee Service has issued its latest publication demonstrating how the organisation is involved in the empowerment of forcibly displaced persons, assisting them to gain access to the rights to which they are entitled. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110830062945 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110715071801 Addis Ababa, 14 July 2011 – According to the programme coordinator of Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA), Mekonnen Shewarega, the protracted nature of displacement in the region and the increasing flows of refugees are devouring the limited financial and material resources allocated to the country by developed nations. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110715071801 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110715045952 Nairobi, 11 July 2011 – History was made when South Sudan was declared the world's newest and Africa's 54th nation on July 9, after decades of war and oppression. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110715045952 http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110629125112 Washington DC, July 1, 2011 — The earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010 caused much heartache, pain, and death. But, also present among the rubble was hope. For every story of hope there seemed to be one of heartbreak; every act of courage and progress teetered on the edge of frustration and hopelessness. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110629125112 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110617073852 Rome, 20 June 2011 – In response to the horrors of World War II, nearly 60 years ago the UN family of nations took the first concrete steps towards the construction of a global system of refugee protection. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110617073852 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110617074646 Nairobi, 20 June 2011 – Despite the 'temporary nature' of international protection envisaged by the refugee convention, 60 years after its formal adoption, the refugee problem not only still exists, if anything it has become more complex. Over the years the forms of and actors responsible for persecution have changed, exacerbated by political, social and economic injustices, by both state and non-state actors worldwide. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110617074646 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110624080506 Kampala, 13 June 2011 – Forty refugees and asylum seekers had the opportunity to learn more about environmental protection during an information session organised by JRS on the occasion of the UN Environmental Day, celebrated on June 5. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110624080506 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110527032817 Addis Ababa, 23 May 2011 – Almost 30 asylum seekers and undocumented refugees who otherwise have very little access to services and information had a chance to learn what it takes to live a happy and fulfilled family life during a three-day workshop held by JRS in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Mon, 23 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110527032817 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110520035025 Kitgum, 20 May 2011 – Although much has been achieved in the last four years of JRS's counselling training and public awareness projects, a lot still needs to be done to eradicate substance abuse among returnee communities in northern Uganda. Fri, 20 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110520035025 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110520032044 Addis Ababa, 17 May 2011 – Although the refugee football team lost the match against the university students, they left with a greater understanding of their host society and a desire to further their education. Tue, 17 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110520032044 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110511021959 Kajo Keji, 11 May 2011 – The children of Tipere, Southern Sudan, can now study in better conditions, after JRS handed the keys to a new classroom block over to the education director of Kajo Keji County. Fri, 13 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110511021959 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110419093707 Kakuma, 18 April 2011 – Single refugee mothers can now receive group counselling in Kakuma refugee camp, after JRS launched the second part of a new pilot programme. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110419093707 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110411033822 Kampala, 4 April 2011 – As part of a new initiative to help urban refugees become more self-reliant, JRS has started a new course, training refugees in the production of arts and handicrafts in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110411033822 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110411030733 Kampala, 31 March 2011 – This academic year, a JRS-sponsored Congolese primary four student, fulfilled a promise to himself by scoring the highest grade in his class. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110411030733 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110411033039 Kajo Keji, 31 March 2011 – More than 300 civil society organisations and official representatives gathered to celebrate their commitment to women’s rights. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110411033039 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110323044612 Nairobi/Kakuma, 21 March 2011 - Chris Lowney, President of Jesuit Commons, was in Kakuma refugee camp (Kenya) for the official launch of the Jesuit Commons – Higher Education at the Margins project. In an interview with JRS Eastern Africa, he explains his understanding of education and leadership in a refugee-related context and shares his impression of the camp and the people living there. Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110323044612 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110317082145 Nairobi/Kakuma, 15 March 2011 – Refugees in Kakuma refugee camp in northwestern Kenya now have access to higher education, after JRS officially launched its new distance-education project with US universities today. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110317082145 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110415085544 Nairobi, 8 March 2011 – Women contribute greatly towards the recovery of countries emerging from conflict and war. However, these countries could recover faster if women were given more support. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110415085544 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110317062950 Kitgum, 7 March 2011 - While northern Uganda continues to recover from a more than two decade long conflict, JRS prepares returnees to fully take charge of their lives. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110317062950 http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110228084657 Washington DC, March 1, 2011) – Every year, thousands of people from Africa try to reach Europe, risking everything in a gamble for safety, for a life better than the conflict, poverty and repression they were born into. They risk harsh detention and death. Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110228084657 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110304074451 Kakuma, 28 February 2011 – Refugees in Kakuma refugee camp are now able to study for a certificate in social services, after JRS launched its first certificate programme as part of a higher education initiative. Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110304074451 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110225091428 Juba, 21 February 2011 – Following external evaluations in three JRS projects in Southern Sudan last year, JRS will now focus on targeting key problems in primary education. Fri, 25 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110225091428 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110228011755 Kitgum, 22 February 2011 – Fifty formerly displaced persons were able to return home to their villages after JRS built small houses for them. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110228011755 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110304075211 Kajo Keji, 22 February 2011 – In collaboration with county education officials, head teachers, and community members, JRS has started mother tongue instruction in six schools in Kajo Keji County, Southern Sudan. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110304075211 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110218011710 Kitgum, 18 February 2011 – More than two million northerners, majority of whom are formerly internally displaced persons (IDPs), will vote in today’s presidential and parliamentary elections but many doubt the polls will bring any real benefit to their lives. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110218011710 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110215071408 Kajo Keji, 8 February 2011 – Using the results of an external evaluation of JRS activities in Kajo Keji last October, JRS has changed its approach to ensure quality education in 2011. Tue, 08 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110215071408 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110215071811 Juba, 8 February 2011 – The people of Southern Sudan have overwhelmingly voted for independence according to the final referendum results announced on Monday in Khartoum. Tue, 08 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110215071811 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110208040047 Addis Ababa, 27 January 2011 – As part of its mandate to empower refugees through the provision non-formal education, this year’s JRS annual trip focused on raising their awareness of obstetric fistula (or vaginal fistula), a disease affecting women in developing countries largely caused during child birth, as well as sexual violence, particularly gang rape. Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110208040047 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110208022240 Juba, 27 January 2011 – According to sources reported by Voice of America, more than 90 percent of Southern Sudanese have voted in favour of independence. Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110208022240 http://jrs.net/Spotlight_Detail?TN=DTN-20110126010729 After a break in Ireland, Richard O’Dwyer SJ is back in Lobone, Southern Sudan, in good time for the crucial referendum about the country’s future. The development goes far beyond a political adjustment. It involves coming to terms with a terrible past, a civil war that cost millions of deaths. This week, in his first public address since the superbly managed vote, the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, addressed a packed Catholic Cathedral:”For our deceased brothers and sisters, particularly those who have fallen during the time of struggle, may God bless them with eternal peace. And may we, like Jesus Christ on the cross, forgive those who have forcefully caused their deaths.” Richard’s account gives a sense of the remarkable man who is leading this new nation. Tue, 25 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Spotlight_Detail?TN=DTN-20110126010729 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110121072139 Nairobi, 16 January 2011 – According to officials from the ruling Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), turnout in the referendum has reached 60 percent, the percentage needed to validate the results of the vote on self-determination. Fri, 21 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110121072139 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110114082328 Yei, 14 December 2010 – In countries where laity far exceeds the clergy, catechists, rather than priests often lead the Catholic Church. Fri, 14 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110114082328 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110208034545 Nimule, 12 January 2011 – Skills of peace club members in income generation and sustainable development are expected to improve after JRS trained more than 100 Sudanese on fund raising, management and saving in areas around Nimule, Southern Sudan. Wed, 12 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110208034545 http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20101216111903 Praying with Refugees, January 2011. When Jesuit Refugee Service went to Southern Sudan in the late 1990s, the staff shared the terror of internally displaced people caught up in the prolonged civil war. As 2011 dawns, JRS is still in Southern Sudan, accompanying the people in peacetime as we did during the war. Sat, 01 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20101216111903 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110121074625 Nimule, 16 December 2010 – The Spanish ambassador to Sudan and Eritrea has visited schools and activities sponsored by the Spanish government and implemented by JRS in Nimule, Southern Sudan. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110121074625 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110105021445 Addis Ababa, 16 December 2010 — An eight-year-old Sudanese girl almost won a charity children’s run, staged on occasion of the Great Ethiopian Run, carried out annually in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110105021445 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110105122457 Yei, 14 December 2010 — German Archbishop Erwin Josef Ender paid a visit to Yei, Southern Sudan to show solidarity with the autonomous region in promoting the 101 days of prayer campaign for a peaceful referendum, which will take place on January 9, 2011. Tue, 14 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110105122457 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110105121553 Addis Ababa, 3 December 2010 – Refugee women launched a beauty salon that will help them become self-reliant on the premises of the JRS Refugee Community Center (RCC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Fri, 03 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110105121553 http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20101118095343 Praying with Refugees, December 2010. As we make our journey during this Advent season let us hope and pray that we can respond in haste in our travel toward God and in our interior travel and examination of our own soul. Let us also hope and pray that we can respond in haste along very concrete paths of service of our neighbor. Wed, 01 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20101118095343 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014120059 Shanghai, 27 November 2010 – Jesus Christ is sought, found and loved in others, and above all in the poor and those who suffer. And so, one increasingly becomes “a man for others. Sat, 27 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014120059 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014115503 London, 26 November 2010 – Thankfully, there are many places where refugees have found new homes, new beginnings, and some of them are technically called the ‘durable solutions’ that UNHCR seek for all refugees: finding a place of resettlement, returning home or being able to integrate in the local country of residence. JRS staff who are not refugees working in isolated parts of the world can also identify with the joy and peace of getting home again after hard work done. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014115503 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101126123725 Kakuma, 1 November 2010 - JRS Mental Health Assistants in Kakuma refugee camp, north-west Kenya, conducted three disability awareness days in March, May and September 2010 for more than 600 students. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101126123725 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101126124410 Addis Ababa, 1 November 2010 – The JRS Refugee Community Centre (RCC) in Addis Ababa organised a three-day workshop on peace education for urban refugees of five different nationalities, from October 27-29. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101126124410 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101125073113 Kakuma, 20 November 2010 — Every day Bol, a 26-year old paraplegic man, pedals his hand-powered tricycle an hour each way from his home through Kakuma refugee camp to attend the first introductory training sessions for the new JRS distance-learning university courses. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101125073113 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014114902 Rome, 25 November 2010 – Educational programs — whether primary school or college, vocational or teacher training, literacy or peace building and community development — touched and changed lives of children and youth; women, teachers, and local leaders; and soldiers and ex-combatants. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014114902 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014114330 Mae Hong Son, 24 November 2010 – I work in northern Thailand with Burmese camp-based refugees. Our Jesuit Refugee Service team is composed of Buddhist, Catholic, Baptist and Methodist fellow workers, a mixture of faiths reflected in the nearby camp population, but quite different from the overwhelmingly Buddhist context of Thailand. Wed, 24 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014114330 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014113625 23 November 2010 – The children in the primary school at the Osire Refugee Camp in Namibia sat for their classes wherever they could find space – under the trees (if the teacher could find a tree), in the food distribution center, as well as in the classrooms with a roof and walls. There were too many refugees for the limited number of classrooms. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014113625 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014113136 Lobone, 22 November 2010 – During the Eucharist, we baptised 40 children and adults. The longing in the people for the sacraments of baptism and the Body of Christ, long denied to them, was palpable. I could not help but contrast the enthusiastic attitude of the Acholi people in this remote corner of South Sudan with the often jaded attitude to sacraments I had encountered during my years as a pastor back in Dublin. Mon, 22 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014113136 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014111729 Toronto, 21 November 2010 – My eyes were suddenly opened. Why did I not see? After so many years of meeting refugees I still did not understand the hope, the strength, the determination, the sense of community that is often present among them. Sun, 21 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014111729 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014111259 Caracas, 20 November 2010 – The sorrow of the mothers devastated by the unjust death of their sons, has inspired them with inner strength and motivated them to unite in solidarity and to struggle for the dignity and memory of their sons. Sat, 20 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014111259 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014110852 Rome, 19 November 2010 – “Imagine that people who work with refugees are listening to you. What would you tell them about your experience?” Her answer to my question continues to inspire me: “The life of a refugee is not easy. What I would say to people who work with refugees is that they should be patient enough to listen with care to what we have to say. Many refugees feel their needs and views are not considered. Women, especially, are full of worries and frustrations. The world should consider women’s rights in all aspects and help them solve their problems.” Fri, 19 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014110852 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014105917 Lilongwe, 18 November 2010 – How could I preach to these suffering people that God was close to them and that there was hope when their world appeared so dark? Somehow, however, in the midst of that experience of darkness the light of faith illumined my heart. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014105917 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014105424 Colombo, 17 November 2010 – One Sunday morning in early 2009, I stepped out of my residence in the Tamil north of Sri Lanka with a toothbrush in my hand. I was planning on celebrating the 6:30 a.m. Sunday Mass at a nearby church. But all of a sudden government artillery began to spit fire and I rushed into a bunker with many other Tamil people. Wed, 17 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014105424 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014105002 Brussels, 16 November 2010 – Sometimes tears can make us afraid. We think, “I mustn’t cry. You don’t do things like that.” But tears leave us naked, standing alone in the truth. Tears witness to the heart where God works. Jesus cried over his friend Lazarus, over Jerusalem. What more eloquent sign could there be of his love? Tue, 16 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014105002 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014104256 Caracas, 15 November 2010 – Aridez arrived in Venezuela with her soul and spirit shrivelled by the traumatic death of her husband and the disappearances of her eldest son and twin sister. She also brought with her the cross of her own sorrows and those of her two younger children. She was part of a very large family of almost forty members who also came with her. But she felt alone and empty. The only meaning she could find in her life was from the presence of her two children. Mon, 15 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014104256 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110110023033 Nairobi, 10 November 2010 – Human rights organisations have criticised the Kenyan government for forcing Somalis fleeing fighting between a pro-government militia and Islamist Al-Shabab fighters back across the border in violation of international law. Mon, 15 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20110110023033 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014103653 Santo Domingo, 14 November 2010 – When the earthquake destroyed the city of Port-au-Prince in January 2010, our teams from Jesuit Refugee Service – Dominican Republic were hard at work preparing our annual plan. The reality of more than 300,000 dead, some 500,000 injured and almost two million people homeless burst unexpectedly into our lives and created new paths of solidarity, humanity and life for us. Sun, 14 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014103653 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014102944 13 November 2010 – Abebe hopes to have a future beyond the refugee camp, but he believes that his education and the experiences to which this learning has led him have enriched his life for the present and for the future. He also derives great satisfaction in fanning to full flame the embers of hope which he finds in refugees who come to study on the JRS compound. Sat, 13 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014102944 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014101804 Valladolid, 12 November 2010 – Mary’s faith and love have helped me to understand the experience of Jesus in his baptism. It was the first act of his adult life recounted in the gospels. Jesus says nothing, he simply listens. Everything begins with listening – “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Fri, 12 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014101804 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014101400 Makhado, 11 November 2010 – You want to follow Christ? Then begin here. The Christ child is the gleaming lynchpin that unites our longing to respond to the Call of the Kingdom and how it is done. After we have pondered the high-octane theology of the Incarnation, the Nativity points us to the way that the heart of God comes into the world and therefore the way we are to follow: In humility. In mercy. In desire. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014101400 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014092946 Kigali, 10 November 2010 – . . . this is exactly where God chose to send His Son! Not where plenty of space, education and healthcare would guarantee his future, but where crime, lack of hygiene and opportunities could risk it. “Yes, yes. This is where God wants to be. This is where He sends His Son." Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101014092946 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100830100509 Manila, 9 November 2010 – Is it possible that someone who has experienced irremediable loss can one day be joyful, and learn to give joyfully? Can deep sadness and despair ever be overcome by the desire to serve others? Can I ask for and realistically expect the grace of compassion towards those who do me harm? Tue, 09 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100830100509 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101007090407 Barcelona, 8 November 2010 – Mary’s faith and love have helped me to understand the experience of Jesus in his baptism. It was the first act of his adult life recounted in the gospels. Jesus says nothing, he simply listens. Everything begins with listening – “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mon, 08 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20101007090407 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823034736 Madrid, 7 November 2010 – In one fleeting moment, we were spared from confusion, misunderstanding and the difficulty of falling into inflexible positions. Waiting for all the teachers to arrive, seated in those tiny chairs, we stared at one another. Although I still do not know how, we managed to understand each other. Sun, 07 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823034736 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823034323 Abidjan, 6 November 2010 – The forgiveness-reconciliation equation is not a one-way process. Rather it is based on reciprocity: it is a process in space and in time. In order to avoid recurring cycles of violence and vengeance, it important to appreciate and understand how much exiles also suffer and how they experience their defeat as a humiliation from which they can only free themselves through a justice that takes the form of revenge. Sat, 06 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823034323 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823033931 Washington DC, 5 November 2010 – Francisco had crossed the border into Arizona from Mexico with two brothers and a young sister-in-law. As a youngster in Mexico, his family had lived in a one-room wooden shack that had begun to collapse by the time he was a teenager. He had left Mexico for the U.S. when he was 17, determined to earn enough money to build his family. Little by little over the next five years he had succeeded in saving enough to build the beginnings of a new home for his family in Cuautla, Mexico. When he returned to Mexico in 2006, he stayed two months before returning to the U.S. so that he could make enough money to finish the kitchen. Fri, 05 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823033931 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823033752 Phnom Penh, 4 November 2010 – Som Eik decided to try charcoal making and went off to the forest along the Thai border. Suddenly, he heard a huge bang and was flung into the air. One leg was dangling and he was bleeding profusely from wounds to the arms and body. A landmine. Soldiers far off heard the explosion and rushed to get him first aid. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823033752 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823033506 Johannesburg, 3 November 2010 – Today more than half of the world’s refugees live in crowded urban areas rather than in refugee camps that have traditionally been located at great distances from major population centers. Danisa, a young Zimbabwean man, is one of these so-called “urban refugees.” He recently came to our office in Pretoria asking for money to begin a hair cutting business. After an interview, one of our team purchased some clippers, a chair, a mirror and a bowl. This was his shop. We worked with him to get a permit that enabled him to practice his trade legally, thus giving him some insurance from police raids. Nevertheless he was still vulnerable to robbery. Wed, 03 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823033506 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823032920 Rome, 2 November 2010 – How beautiful this world of ours seems when viewed from the perspective of outer space! Its abundant land, water and air, minerals and energy, forests and farms seem capable of sustaining all earth’s people. It reminds us of how in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis God gazed lovingly on what he had created and saw that it was very good. As we look at our planet, we see a world of great diversity in terms of colors, plant life, living beings, as well as men and women of different languages and cultures. From the borders of space, however, we do not see the limitations and divisions of our world. Tue, 02 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823032920 http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823013632 Washington DC, 1 November 2010 – In his poem, “God’s Grandeur” Gerard Manley Hopkins, the nineteenth century Jesuit poet, wrote of how, despite all humankind’s efforts to disguise and mar the divine presence in our world, “there lives the deepest freshness deep down things.” The spark of God’s image survives even in the deepest darkness. The Jesuit Refugee Charter as well confirms this insight when it states: “To accompany refugees is to affirm that God is present in human history, even in most tragic episodes.” Mon, 01 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Retreat_Day?TN=DTN-20100823013632 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104065119 Rome/Nairobi, 27 September 2010 — JRS has started a new education project in Kakuma refugee camp, north-west Kenya. It is part of JRS’ latest initiative, announced recently in Rome, which wants to bring higher education to refugees, promoting access to education as a fundamental human right. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104065119 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104070948 Addis Ababa, 27 September 2010 — Twenty-seven teenage refugees have received peer education for peer educators as part of the JRS programme to prevent the spread of HIV and in line with JRS’s commitment to strengthen health education and training for displaced persons. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104070948 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104063550 Kakuma, 13 September 2010 — For the first time in 16 years, JRS has introduced group counselling alongside individual counselling services to address rising psychosocial needs in Kakuma refugee camp, north-western Kenya. Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104063550 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104064345 Kajo Keji, 14 September 2010 — JRS and the Department of Religious Affairs in Kajo Keji County have trained 72 local leaders and government officials on good governance. Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104064345 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104044157 Nimule, 27 August 2009 – In preparation for the referendum on southern independence scheduled for January 2011, JRS recently trained 12 community peace facilitators and three government and church representatives in Nimule, Pageri and Mugali sub-counties, Southern Sudan. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104044157 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104045325 Yei, 27 July 2010 — JRS trained 23 head teachers to help them understand, monitor and improve the quality of education in their schools in Yei River county, Southern Sudan. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104045325 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104062442 Nimule, 23 August 2010 — Seventy-two teachers will teach more effectively in 25 JRS-supported primary schools after each attending one of the three-day workshops on teaching skills organised by JRS for untrained teachers in Nimule, Mugali and Pageri sub-counties in Magwi county, Eastern Equatoria state, Southern Sudan. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104062442 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104040818 Kitgum, 14 July 2010 — During the Ugandan conflict between the government and Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), the once respected elders of the ethnic Acholi people slowly lost their authority and the respect of younger people. Fri, 06 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104040818 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104042013 Juba, 1 July 2010 – The education sector in the autonomous region of Southern Sudan lacks the mechanisms and procedures to respond in emergencies, according to a specialist, John Yuggi, working for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). Fri, 06 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104042013 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104033928 Lobone, 30 July 2010 – Between April and June 2010 JRS has donated a pair of oxen and an ox plough to each of three Catholic communities near Lobone, Southern Sudan to help generate income for their members. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104033928 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104034807 Yei, 16 July 2010 - In early July, three Jesuits gave a day long workshop-retreat on the Ignatian identity and mission of JRS to staff members in three projects in Southern Sudan. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104034807 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104035432 Kajo Keji, 21 May 2010 — 27 primary teachers concluded their three weeks in-service training at the Comboni College in Kajo Keji, Southern Sudan. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104035432 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104024458 Addis Ababa, 24 June 2010 – “Ethiopia has a long history in hosting refugees, dating back as far as 1,300 years ago. Until to date, the governments of the country have continued to be hospitable and humane to all refugees who come in search of peace and security,” said Ahmed Abdella Gedar, Chairperson of the Urban Refugees Community, at a recent event commemorating World Refugee Day in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Fri, 09 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104024458 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104031420 Yei, 1 June 2010 – Lay catechetical leaders representing all seven parishes within the Diocese of Yei, Southern Sudan, gathered along with their parish priests and diocesan officials from May 31 – June 1, 2010 to share with JRS their desires for further training in areas of the Catholic faith. Fri, 09 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104031420 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104032838 Yei, 29 May 2010 — The JRS pastoral programme in Yei, southern Sudan, guided the priests and bishop of the Yei Diocese in their annual retreat from May 26-29, 2010 at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Yei. Fri, 09 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104032838 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104013622 Nairobi, 20 June 2010 — On 20 June, World Refugee Day, Jesuit Refugee Service/Eastern Africa urges the governments of Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia to tap into the potential of refugees and other forced migrants in urban areas. This not only promotes their self-sufficiency, it also contributes to well-being in their host countries. Sun, 20 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104013622 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104022652 Nairobi, 20 June 2010 – This coming Sunday, JRS will join the world in marking World Refugee Day. This day was formally established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2000. Since 2001, exactly 50 years after the implementation of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, World Refugee Day has been commemorated globally every year on June 20. Sun, 20 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20101104022652 http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20100615025338 This brief couplet of unknown origin captures in a few words the distinct charisms of four saints and founders of religious communities in the Church—the Cistercians, the Benedictines, the Franciscans and the Jesuits. Ignatius of Loyola, who founded the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), placed much focus on the plight of the poor in the great cities of his time. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20100615025338 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100604085308 Juba, 6 May 2010 — Considerable achievements have been made since Southern Sudan first launched the “Go to School” campaign in 2006, an education for all initiative aimed at boosting primary school enrolment, especially among girls. Thu, 06 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100604085308 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100604085106 Lobone, 30 April 2010 – On April 30, 2010 JRS handed over a newly constructed primary school to the community of Palwar in Lobone sub-county, Southern Sudan. Around 1,500 people were present at the handing over ceremony. Fri, 30 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100604085106 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100604084646 Ngara, 22 April 2010 – Tanzania granted citizenship to 162,000 refugees who fled the 1972 civil war in Burundi. The largest ever naturalisation of refugees in the world was described by UN agencies and human rights groups as a historic occasion. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100604084646 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100421061545 Kampala, 16 April 2010 - On January 22, 2010, JRS announced that it will soon start providing skills training for refugees and asylum seekers in Kampala. “JRS has made arrangements with several schools in and around Kampala to train selected refugees in catering, computer, driving and hairdressing,” said Stephen Kuteesa, Coordinator of the Urban Emergency Programme (UEP) at the annual meeting with 150 beneficiaries of JRS services in Kampala, Uganda Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100421061545 http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20100615021842 (Washington, D.C.) April 1, 2010 - Their eyes were opened and they recognized him! A number of years ago Fr. Gildo Dominici was working with Jesuit Refugee Service in Galang, Indonesia. His reflection on living with refugees reminds us of the call to know the Risen Christ that refugees and those who work with and for them are invited to experience. Thu, 01 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20100615021842 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100329034030 Lobone, 26 March 2010 — Between January 18 and February 2, 2010 the JRS team in Lobone, Southern Sudan carried out a campaign in order to create awareness about the importance of education. For twelve days, JRS staff members held meetings with seven communities in Lobone, Parjok and Magwi Sub-counties, aiming to increase school enrollment, boost girls’ education and intensify the collaboration with the local education officials and community leaders. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100329034030 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100329034349 Mai-Aini, 26 March 2010 — JRS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian government and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) to officially launch a new project in Mai-Aini refugee camp on February 25, 2010. The camp is located near Shire, northern Ethiopia, close to the border with Eritrea and hosts around 15,000 Eritrean refugees. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100329034349 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100329034552 Lobone, 11 February 2010 – JRS staff members in Lobone, Southern Sudan, gathered for a day of retreat and reflection, inspired by the JRS document “Sent to the frontiers on a mission of reconciliation.” Issued in 2009, this paper defines the identity and mission of JRS in light of the 35th General Congregation of the Jesuits. Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100329034552 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100406090942 Nairobi, 25 March 2010 — Refugees and asylum seekers living in Nairobi are regularly subject to harassment and extortion, especially by the Kenyan police force, and they are exposed to high levels of criminal violence, says a report by the Humanitarian Policy Group (HPG), the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) that highlights the vulnerable position of many refugees living in Nairobi. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100406090942 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100409091930 Lobone, 19 March 2010 — 2010 JRS handed over a newly constructed primary school to the community of Lerwa, Magwi County, Southern Sudan in March. Almost 700 people attended the ceremony. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100409091930 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100406091123 Addis Ababa, 10 March 2010 — More than 350 refugees gathered under the theme “Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all” at the JRS Refugee Community Centre in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 10, and draw attention to the plight of women. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100406091123 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100409092052 Kampala, 5 March 2010 — JRS celebrated International Women’s Day on March 5 with over 230 refugees and partners in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100409092052 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100423034046 Juba, 19 February 2010 – A process to develop handbooks for various JRS programmes has recently started with a workshop in Juba, Southern Sudan. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100423034046 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100329033652 Juba, 18 February 2010 — In post-war Southern Sudan, teachers have a particular responsibility to promote a culture of peace and reconciliation. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100329033652 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100218022621 Kakuma, 12 February 2010 — In an effort to respond to emerging needs in Kakuma, north-west Kenya, JRS will now extend its scholarship programme to the local Turkana community. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100218022621 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100218023106 Nairobi, 12 February 2010 — Refugees and asylum seekers who had to leave all their belongings behind when they fled their countries still have their skills which they can use once they are in exile. Those supported by JRS in Nairobi produce a variety of crafts such as wood carvings, batiks and post cards made of banana fiber, baskets, bags, dolls, table mats, necklaces, nativity scenes as well as clothes. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100218023106 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100218021925 Kajo Keji, 5 February 2010 — The Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) has recently begun implementing a new policy which will filter out primary school teachers who lack valid qualification documents. Consequently, this will create a lack of teachers, as 45 percent of the teachers in Southern Sudan never received any training, and force schools to merge. “For us this means that the number of the current 83 primary schools will be reduced,” says Mr. Wani Benjamin, acting district education officer in Kajo Keji County. Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100218021925 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100218022234 Mwanza, 5 February 2010 — On December 3, 2009, a 16-year-old refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was awarded an International Children’s Peace Prize for his efforts on behalf of refugee children in Tanzania. Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100218022234 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100406090707 Lobone, 1 February 2010 — Four JRS staff members for the first time went on a challenging 15km hike to visit two JRS supported schools that had never been visited before, located in the mountains around Lobone in early February. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100406090707 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223020011 Kakuma, 17 December 2009 —Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Adolfo Nicolas SJ, visited Kakuma refugee camp in north-western Kenya on 17 December. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223020011 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223021102 Ngara, 3 December 2009 – On December 3, 2009, a 16-year-old refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was awarded an International Children’s Peace Prize for his efforts on behalf of refugee children in Tanzania. Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223021102 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223022957 Addis Ababa, 27 November 2010 — The JRS Refugee Community Centre (RCC) recently organised an educational trip to Debre Zeit (Bishoftu), around 50 km southeast of Addis Ababa, for over 90 urban refugees of different nationalities. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223022957 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223022619 Juba, 23 November 2009 – On November 23, 2009, the National Elections Commission announced an extension to the deadline for voter registration and postponement of the election date due to delays incurred in the process in some areas of the vast country. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223022619 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223021305 Addis Ababa, 27 November 2009 – From November 23-26, 2009, the JRS Refugee Community Centre (RCC) in Addis Ababa held a workshop on conflict resolution for thirty refugees from Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223021305 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223022411 Nimule, 9 November 2009 – From November 6-7, 2009, JRS organised a two day workshop for 19 members of the parents and teachers association (PTA) and the board of governors (BOG) of the secondary school in Loa, Southern Sudan. It was the second workshop in the area. Both workshops aimed at building the capacity of the local community to successfully manage their schools. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223022411 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223023349 Kampala, 7 November 2009 – From November 5-6, 2009, JRS organised a workshop on refugee protection in cooperation with a number of refugee groups and organisations in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. The event, facilitated by Mr Godwin Buwa, a lawyer from the partner organisation, the Refugee Law Project, offered 30 refugee leaders, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Eritrea and Ethiopia, the opportunity to learn more about their rights and obligations. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223023349 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223023638 Kajo Keji, 6 November 2010 – On November 6, 2009, public education officers and teachers in JRS schools took a further step towards achieving their overall common goal of ensuring quality education to all children of school-going age in Kajo Keji county, Central Equatoria state, Southern Sudan. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223023638 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223023954 Kakuma, 30 October 2009 -- According to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), the relocation of 12,900 refugees from Dadaab refugee camp in north-eastern Kenya to Kakuma refugee camp in north-western Kenya was recently completed. It had been going on since mid August. The relocation is a first step towards decongesting the world’s largest refugee site at Dadaab, currently hosting over 280,000 refugees, most of them from Somalia. UNHCR said, 6,400 refugees are crossing the Kenya-Somalia border every month. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223023954 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223022039 Addis Ababa, 28, October 2009 — Twenty-five refugees from Somalia, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) living in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa recently had the opportunity to learn about the prevention of communicable diseases in a two day workshop organised by JRS. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223022039 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223023152 Kakuma, 24 October 2009 — Twelve JRS-sponsored refugee students from Burundi, Sudan, Ethiopia and Rwanda obtained their degrees at Kakuma refugee camp in north-western Kenya. Three students who have participated in the distance tertiary education programme with the University of South Africa (UNISA), obtained their Bachelor of Art in communications and sociology after nine years of studies while nine students of the Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development (KISWCD) received their diploma certificates in community health and community development after two years of studies. Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223023152 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223022754 Nimule, 16 October 2009 — JRS handed over a reconstructed primary school to the local community of Iriya, near Nimule, Southern Sudan. The school comprises two classroom blocks, an administration block and four latrine blocks. Construction, which had started in early February and was accomplished in August this year, was mainly funded by the Spanish government. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223022754 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223022754 On 16 October 2009, JRS handed over a reconstructed primary school to the local community of Iriya, near Nimule, Southern Sudan. The school comprises two classroom blocks, an administration block and four latrine blocks. Construction, which had started in early February and was accomplished in August this year, was mainly funded by the Spanish government. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223022754 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223024606 Juba, 16 October 2009 — The forthcoming elections in Sudan are considered a major milestone in the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the democratic transformation process in Sudan. They were scheduled to take place in November this year, then later postponed to February 2010 and lastly to April 2010 due to delays in the preparation. Whereas many discussions, plans and projects, like political gatherings and conferences, are geared towards the elections and the time after, there are many challenges that are surrounding and threatening the process now and that have to be dealt with in order to ensure a peaceful future for Southern Sudan. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223024606 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223024449 Nairobi, 25 September, 2009 — September 25, 2009, JRS officially granted 19 urban refugees from six countries with interest-free loans to start small businesses. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223024449 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223024837 Nairobi, 14 September 2009 — JRS Kenya organised a five day training in basic counselling skills in Nairobi September from 14 - 18, 2009. Fourteen refugees from Ethiopia, Somali, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) participated. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223024837 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223025115 Southern Sudan, 11 September 2009 — JRS in collaboration with the Interchurch Peace Council (IKV) Pax Christi and the South Sudan Law Society (SSLS) recently organised trainings in preparation of the national elections scheduled for April 2010. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223025115 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223025305 Lobone, 11 September 2009 — JRS Lobone recently conducted eight in-service training workshops for 58 teachers teaching at primary, secondary, nursery and adult literacy education level in two different counties. Participants were trained by external facilitators from Uganda. Due to poor education opportunities for women and persisting cultural barriers, only nine participants were female teachers. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223025305 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223024253 Nimule, 8 September 2009 — On September 8, 2009, JRS celebrated World Literacy Day with over 350 men and women in Pageri Payam, about 24 miles from Nimule, Southern Sudan. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223024253 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100203072714 Juba, 8 August 2009 — During the last three years, the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) has slashed its education budget by more than 25 percent, from $134 million to $100 million. This is particularly disappointing given the remarkable improvements in enrolment rates since the 2005 peace agreement. Budget cuts of this magnitude are likely to adversely affect the quality of education services. With literacy rates at 20 percent, and 10 percent among women, much remains to be done. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100203072714 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223025438 Mellit, 19 August 2009 — JRS Sudan hosted a visit from JRS International Director Fr. Peter Balleis SJ, and Regional Director Fr. Frido Pflueger SJ from August 19-26, 2009. It was Fr. Balleis’ first visit since he took up his position in Rome. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223025438 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223025940 Addis Ababa, 19 August 2009 — In the afternoon of August 19, 2009, JRS Ethiopia staff was addressed by JRS International Director Fr. Peter Balleis SJ during a mass which was organised on the occasion of Fr. Balleis’s first visit to Addis Ababa. The mass was framed by prayers, readings and songs performed by the JRS Ethiopia staff choir. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223025940 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223025633 Kajo Keji, 14 August 2009 — JRS inaugurated a four classroom block at Jalimo Parents secondary school in Kajo Keji, Southern Sudan on August 14th. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223025633 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223030300 Addis Ababa, 10 October 2009 — With the help of JRS, young refugees recently established the Refugee Youth Association in Addis Ababa. The foundation took place on 5 August but was officially announced five days later, on the occasion of International Youth Day which was celebrated with urban refugees, JRS staff and invited guests on the premises of the JRS Refugee Community Centre (RCC) in the Ethiopian capital. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223030300 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223030113 Lobone, 5 August 2009 — JRS inaugurated the first primary school with permanent buildings in Lobone, Southern Sudan on 5 August. Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223030113 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223030840 Yei, 29 July 2009 — JRS Yei has recently undertaken a number of activities to help Congolese refugees displaced by the Ugandan rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), and currently sheltering in the Nyori refugee settlement in Lasu Payam (County), Southern Sudan, some 25 miles from Yei. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223030840 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223030709 Addis Ababa, 27 July 2009 — The JRS Refugee Community Centre (RCC) conducted a workshop on HIV/AIDS for 23 peer educators between 14 and 21 years from different nationalities. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223030709 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223030520 Addis Ababa, 25 July 2009 — Fourteen refugee students graduated from Addis Ababa University after having completed their three years studies in different fields. One of the twelve Sudanese students left the university with a medical doctorate in Health Science after seven years of studying; two students come from Eritrea. Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223030520 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223025754 Addis Ababa, 20 July 2009 — Refugees in Addis Ababa changed their attitude after participating in a five-day workshop on HIV/AIDS and female genital mutilation organised by the JRS Emergency Needs Programme (ENP). Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223025754 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223031018 Nairobi, 28 June 2009 — JRS in collaboration with Nairobi Archdiocese Refugee Assistance Programme, Faraja Trust of Kenya and Africa Refugee Programme Great Lakes commemorated World Refugee Day with a Eucharistic celebration. It took place at Divine Word Parish, Kayole which is one of the parishes in Nairobi where JRS provides assistance for new arrivals and asylum seekers. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Archbishop Boniface Lele who is the Vice Chairman for Refugees, Migrants and Seafarers in the Kenya Episcopal Conference. Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223031018 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223031228 Addis Ababa, 25 June 2009 — JRS Ethiopia marked World Refugee Day 2009 with urban refugees, invited guests representing the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the government body, Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA), the Jesuits and other partner organisations. The event was organised by JRS Ethiopia in collaboration with the Development Inter-Church Aid Commission Refugee and Returnee Affairs Department (DICAC/RRAD). Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223031228 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223031355 Kakuma, 20 June 2009 — JRS-Kakuma celebrated World Refugee Day in the Safe Haven protection centre with women and their children who carry the double burden of being displaced and threatened by sexual and gender based violence (SGBV). Sat, 20 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223031355 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100302021918 Kenya, 20 June 2009 — Despite the improved perception of refugees in some regions, refugees in many parts of the world still face hostility and neglect. They are often denied their fundamental human rights and experience rejection and discrimination. Sat, 20 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100302021918 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223032606 Nimule, 12 June 2009 — This April, a tailoring student who had taken part in JRS skills training was hired by St. Patrick’s primary school in Nimule to sew school unifIn April this year a tailoring student who took part in the JRS skills training was hired by St. Patrick’s primary school in Nimule to sew school uniforms. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223032606 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223033021 Kitgum, 5 June 2009 — The peace building and conflict transformation programme of JRS Kitgum recently completed the training of 39 mostly male cultural leaders in Kitgum District. The leaders, Kal-Kwato, were trained in mediation and reconciliation during April and May. Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223033021 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223033423 Kakuma, 29 May 2009 — Conflict between the local Turkana population in Kakuma and the humanitarian presence serving a refugee camp of 18,000 displaced persons from the region, has recently been resolved through dialogue. The host community and the heads of agencies agreed to work together in order to find out about the real needs of the local Turkana population and to address these needs where possible. Fri, 29 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223033423 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223033541 Kampala, 29 May 2009 — An increased number of new arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been assisted by the JRS Urban Programme in Kampala during the past few weeks. Some of these asylum seekers are not new arrivals as they entered Uganda at the end of 2008 due to ethnic clashes and the joint Rwandan offensive against the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR). Now, as their coping strategies begin to fail they start registering at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and at JRS which grants support to vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees for three months after arriving in Uganda. But the majority entered the country between February and April, and are now searching for three months of food, rent and medical assistance from JRS. Among others, refugees give tribal conflicts as well as the activity of different rebel groups and government soldiers as reasons for their flight from DRC. Fri, 29 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223033541 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223031747 Kakuma, 29 May 2009 — 74 mostly-Somali counsellors concluded their training with a graduation ceremony at Kakuma refugee camp in north-western Kenya. The graduates have been trained by JRS in basic counselling skills for the last two months. Trainees, family members, friends and the JRS community were present to celebrate the graduates who will strengthen the team of community counsellors which respond to the psychosocial needs of refugees in the camp. Fri, 29 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223031747 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223032317 Kampala, 29 May 2009 — The JRS Urban Programme held a seminar on the Ugandan Refugee Act for asylum seekers and refugees at JRS Kampala offices this May. The purpose was to help beneficiaries gain a better understanding of the Refugee Act and to promote awareness of their rights and responsibilities. Fifteen asylum seekers and eight refugees from Somalia, Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Congo, Kenya and Ethiopia participated in the seminar. They then disseminated the information within their respective groups. Fri, 29 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223032317 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223032047 Juba, 28 May 2009 — In early January 2009, the Governor of the Central Equatoria State, Mr Clement Wani, ordered the demolition of structures which "illegally" occupied land within Juba and its suburbs. This was part of the demarcation and mapping process of Juba, the capital of Southern Sudan, which started in 2008 per directive by President Salva Kiir as an attempt to modernise the city. The target of the demolition are internally displaced persons’ (IDP) camps, slums and un-demarcated areas which include permanent or semi-permanent structures that have been erected without a permit. Thu, 28 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223032047 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223032437 Addis Ababa, 27 May 2009 — JRS Ethiopia together with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Development Inter-Church Aid Commission/Refugee and Returnee Affairs Department (DICAC/RRAD) held a full day workshop on HIV/AIDS for 60 refugee women. Wed, 27 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223032437 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223033210 Kajo Keji, 22 May 2009 — JRS concluded three weeks of successful in-service training for forty primary school teachers in Kajo Keji, Southern Sudan on 22 May. JRS Teacher Trainer Wani Emmanuel Denson had planned and coordinated the training which targeted untrained teachers in Kajo Keji county. Currently there are 113 untrained teachers registered in the county. Only quarter of the participants were female. Fri, 22 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223033210 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223034209 Addis Ababa, 5 May 2009 — As part of its outreach programme, the JRS Urban Emergency Programme in Kampala provides assistance to three parishes one of which runs a place called “Agape – Pendo la Mungu”. Agape offers shelter and protection for the maximum period of three months for 20 asylum seekers who have no other support network which offers them accommodation and food. Mon, 04 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223034209 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223033726 Addis Ababa, 27 April 2009 — At the end of April the JRS Refugee Community Centre (RCC) organised a three-day workshop on self-esteem for 22 language and computer students and 4 teachers. The workshop aimed at renewing hope and showing new directions for the lives of refugees by drawing attention to the principles of self-esteem like sense of competence, the importance of taking control of one’s life, tolerance, self-acceptance, positive thinking and self-motivation. Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223033726 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223034408 Kakuma, 24 April 2009 — The question whether Kakuma Refugee Camp is closing down has been on the minds of many people who visited the camp recently. Despite the growing number of Somalis, Darfurians, and Congolese refugees at the camp services for the refugees have been scaled down continuously. The successful repatriation of most of the Southern Sudanese refugees made donors and organisations assume that 17 years after it had been created in 1992, Kakuma refugee camp is on the verge of closing down. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223034408 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223034522 Yei, 24 April 2009 — JRS Yei and the Yei County Education Office extended their collaboration to establish an examination board for the county’s secondary schools, and stage the first county-wide joint secondary school exams after working closely together to ensure the success of the first county-wide joint primary school exams, involving over 90 schools. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223034522 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223034030 Kakuma, 17 April 2009 — Thirteen refugees who had been granted small loans which help them set up their own business took part in a one day participatory training this April. Since all of them had been involved in running a business previously, the training was meant to encourage them to share their knowledge not only about their products and skills but also about their experience in running a business. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223034030 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223034654 Yei, 8 April 2009 — According to a recent UNHCR media release, a deteriorating security situation in some parts of Southern Sudan, including nearly a week of protests by unpaid war veterans, has forced UNHCR to temporarily halt its repatriation programme from Uganda. Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223034654 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035016 Addis Ababa, 27 March 2009 — Last month, the JRS Refugee Community Centre (RCC) opened a cafeteria for refugees. The cafeteria grants refugees a possibility to meet for refreshments at an affordable price in the city centre of Addis Ababa. It is a different approach to help refugees recover from trauma and painful experiences. Mr. Bala Zeyne Al Abdin, 44 years old and himself a refugee from Sudan runs the cafeteria. He has five years experience of running a small restaurant at Sherkole refugee camp in western Ethiopia. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035016 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035216 Addis Ababa, 27 March 2009 — The JRS Refugee Community Centre (RCC) library recently opened its doors for 48 students from the local community, the majority female, who live in the centre’s surroundings. In collaboration with the Kebele District Administration JRS selects children from destitute families to be granted access to the library. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035216 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035352 Nairobi, 27 March 2009 — After a needs assessment was carried out in 2008, the JRS Scholarship Programme has diverted its attention from college to secondary school and pre-primary assistance. It became clear that the funds available could accommodate a higher number of students if the focus was shifted to secondary education. Interviews were held in February and intake of 18 students took place in March. At the moment JRS also sponsors two deaf students from Sudan. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035352 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223034849 Nimule, 18 March 2009 — Armed war veterans of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) went on strike in the streets of Nimule, Southern Sudan, stopping all activities. According to IRIN they have not been receiving their benefits for the last five months. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223034849 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035531 Gulu, 13 March 2009 — As reported by IRIN on March 13, internally displaced persons (IDPs) near Gulu, which have returned to their villages in northern Uganda’s Acholi sub-region after two decades of camp life have found human skeletons on their land. Since members of the Acholi culture believe that keeping these skeletons on their land will bring them misfortune, the discovery created fear among the returnees. The IDPs therefore demanded the burial of the skeletons and the cleansing of the land by the Rwodi Moo, their cultural leaders mandated to conduct the required rituals. In Gulu and Amuru Districts 13 skeletons have been buried and cleansing ceremonies performed in 17 villages to ensure a smooth resettlement of the IDPs. Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035531 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035910 Kampala, 13 March 2009 — Last Friday the JRS Urban Programme in Kampala celebrated the International Women’s Day. The event was brought forward because the day (8 March) was due to fall on a Sunday when the JRS office is normally closed. Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035910 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223040048 Nairobi, 13 March 2009 — For the JRS Urban Emergency Programme (UEP) in Nairobi, the month of February was not business as usual. There was a remarkable increase of new arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in particular from South Kivu. Most of them are young men and women aged between 18 and 30 years. Those over 30 years are very few. Noticeable is the absence of elderly people as many are claiming that their parents died back in Congo. Recent outbreaks of conflict, the looting of their property and the fear to be forced to fight have pushed them to leave their country. Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223040048 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035812 Addis Ababa, 11 March 2009 — JRS Ethiopia planned a half-day event this March for refugee women in Addis Ababa to mark International Women’s Day (IWD). The event was organised by urban refugees coordinated under the Urban Refugee Committee and the Refugee Women’s Association. Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035812 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035649 Addis Ababa, 3 March 2009 — As a prelude to this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), a half-day panel discussion was held on March 3, 2009. The twenty-six participants were members of the Association of Refugee Women established through joint efforts of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), JRS and the Development and Inter-church Aid Commission (DICAC) in 2009 in Addis Ababa. The purpose of the panel was to discuss issues related to the IWD theme for the year “Sharing the caring for the future.” Tue, 03 Mar 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223035649 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223040242 Kakuma, 20 February 2009 — The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) is now planning to move thousands of refugees from Dadaab to Kakuma camp, 1200 km away in north-western Kenya where the population has reduced to 51,000 after the majority of Sudanese refugees has returned. Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223040242 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223040506 Kampala, 20 February 2009 — The JRS language classes motto, “Language for integration, language for life!” seems to have been vindicated as the year 2009 started with great enthusiasm. For the first time in five years, total effective enrollment hit the record figure of 100 students by the end of January alone. Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223040506 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223040748 Addis Ababa, 9 February 2009 — JRS Ethiopia organised an event on 9 February for the graduation of ten refugees who for the first time attended and successfully completed six months vocational skills training courses in videography/photography and mobile and computer maintenance. Mon, 09 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223040748 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223045310 Kajo Keji, 6 February 2009 — Secondary schools in Kajo Keji provide a good example of how attitudes can be changed towards community participation. In December 2008, in order to provide suitable learning environment for their children, parents in four secondary schools started contributing money to purchase bricks for construction of permanent classroom structures. Fri, 06 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223045310 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223040948 Nairobi, 4 February 2009 — The JRS Urban Emergency Programme (UEP) opened a new outreach centre for food distribution to urban refugees at Divine Word Parish in Nairobi. Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223040948 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223045121 Kajo Keji, 30 January 2009 — JRS Kajo Keji concluded the third phase of nine weeks in-service teacher training on methodology of specific subjects and class management targeting untrained primary teachers. Fri, 30 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223045121 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223051044 Kitgum, 19 January 2009 — Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northern Uganda fear a worsening of the situation after the joint military offensive by Uganda, Congo and South Sudan on the Lord’s Resistance Army’s base in north-eastern Congo (LRA) on December 14, 2008. Mon, 19 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223051044 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223050520 Kajo Keji, 16 January 2009 — The 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in December 2008 was a historic moment to recognise the past decades of work to secure the conventions and treaties that make up the human rights framework. The principles of the declaration also gave legitimacy to activists around the world who were calling for the realisation of universal human rights. Human rights cannot be universal without women’s rights and like every year since its introduction in 1991 the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence” campaign offered an opportunity to advocate for women rights, to end gender inequality and to create a world free from violence, discrimination and injustice. Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223050520 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223050009 Yei, January 9, 2009 — The fourth anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was celebrated in Southern Sudan. In the same week hundreds of people panicked when a fire started and bullets exploded in a house outside Yei, on the road to Juba. Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223050009 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223041505 Juba, 9 January 2009 — Southern Sudan marked the fourth anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended 22 years of civil war between the north and the south this January. Although peace and stability could be maintained, security improved and a new government of South Sudan is financed from Sudan’s oil wealth, huge challenges remain in the implementation of the CPA while only two more years of the six-years interim period are left to form a government of national unity. Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223041505 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223045807 Addis Ababa, 6 January 2010 — Despite strong criticism from different sides, the Ethiopian parliament on January 6, 2009 endorsed a new law regulating the registration and operation of NGOs and other associations, commonly known as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating in the country. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223045807 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223051624 Adjumani, 14 December 2008 — In 1992, just after the Eastern African region had been founded, JRS started working with southern Sudanese refugees setting up its first project in Adjumani, northern Uganda in 1993. This project became the “mother” of many others in the region that followed soon. After 16 years of serving Sudanese refugees and the local community in the area of Adjumani and Moyo, JRS East Africa officially closed down the project on December 14, 2008. Sun, 14 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223051624 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223051946 Addis Ababa, 12 December 2009 — For almost two decades, since the fall of dictator Siad Barre in 1991, Somalia has been in political turmoil and was hit by frequent drought as well as rampant inflation. According to the UN, Somalia is the worst humanitarian crisis and one of the most neglected in the world. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223051946 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223052624 Kitgum, 5 December 2008 — Over the past three months, thousands of children have dropped out of primary school in northern Uganda due to lack of food and poor learning conditions. As reported by IRIN, statistics from the district education office showed a 6.1 percent rise in drop-out rates, many of them girls below the age of 15. Fri, 05 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223052624 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223052139 Kenya, 3 December 2008 — The world marks the annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This is a day which aims to promote an international understanding of disability issues, to encourage support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and to encourage their integration into every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223052139 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223045541 Mellit, 1 December 2008 — JRS concluded an in-service training for 120 adult literacy teachers of which 17 percent were women in Mellit, North Darfur. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223045541 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223052739 Kibono, 25 November, 2008 — The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has launched the “16 Days of Activism To End Violence Against Women” campaign with a particular focus on gender-based violence in Kibondo District, northwestern Tanzania. “We want zero sexual and gender based violence, zero discrimination and no tolerance for brutality. To achieve this, men have to support and help women,” Nadjia Hafsa, representative of the UNHCR office in charge said during the opening of the campaign in Nduta refugee camp. Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223052739 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223053040 Mwanza, 21 November 2008 — In 2002 the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the Tanzanian government considered the security situation in Burundi stable and assisted about 353,000 Burundians to return to their home country. Respectively, the repatriation process for Congolese refugees was launched in 2005 and 60,000 Congolese camp refugees have since been repatriated. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223053040 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223053224 Nairobi, 13 November 2008 — Humanitarian policy makers have endorsed internationally-agreed standards on rebuilding education in emergency situations following a “Companionship Agreement” between The Sphere Project and the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) in October this year. By this agreement, The Sphere Project, acknowledges the quality of education standards developed by INEE and demonstrates the consensus in the humanitarian community “that education must be considered as a sector within immediate emergency response” said Alyson Joyner, project manager of Sphere in an interview with IRIN on November 13. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223053224 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223054129 Kenya, 10 November 2008 — Human rights activists have accused Kenyan officials of having violated the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement during the operation “Rudi Nyumbani” which aimed at resettling people displaced by post-election violence early this year, according to a recent IRIN report. Mon, 10 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223054129 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223054338 Addis Ababa, 31 October 2008 — In November 2004 young refugees from DRC, Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi had the idea to establish a music band in Ethiopia which they named BOMPIA. According to Congolese band leader Guilain Soda, the five founding band members that took the initiative came from Sherkole camp to Addis Ababa, with the assistance of the Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA). Once they arrived, others who had the talent and the potential joined the group and the number has subsequently grown to fourteen. Now they have five vocalists, one drummer, three guitarists, three dancers, one plays the keyboard and one the tom-tom. However, the band first came into the limelight when Ethiopia celebrated its Millennium in September 2007. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223054338 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223054920 Kampala, 31 October 2008 — Since mid September 2008, massive numbers of Congolese asylum seekers have been reported to have entered Uganda, their number estimated at 7000 by October 20, 2008, according to IRIN. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223054920 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223053439 Kampala, 30 October 2008 — JRS psychosocial programme organised a campaign on domestic violence and alcohol abuse, two major social problems, in Aparo Hill-Top and Oryang IDP camps on October 30 and 31. The campaign aimed at fostering collaboration, strengthening community initiative and forming the right attitude among internally displaced persons (IDP) in the camps. Thu, 30 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223053439 http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223054609 Addis Ababa, 14 October 2008 — From October 14-16, 2008 the Emergency Needs Programme (ENP) in Addis Ababa conducted a three-day workshop on “Avoiding Risk, Affirming Life” Youth Action Kit, focusing on teenage groups aged between 15-24. The workshop was part of a series of human development lessons and employed a participatory brainstorming approach. Tue, 14 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT http://jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20100223054609