JRS Europe Director Visits Luxembourg to Strengthen Collaboration and Support Teams

On 6 May 2026, Alberto Ares SJ, Director of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe, visited the JRS Luxembourg country office, marking an important moment of encounter, listening, and accompaniment during a period of leadership transition for the organisation.

Alberto was warmly welcomed by the JRS Luxembourg team, members of the Board, and the Jesuit community. The visit took place at a significant time, as JRS Luxembourg undergoes changes in its leadership, presidency, and board composition. In this context, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to support the local team, take the pulse of the organisation, and strengthen ties across all levels of the mission.

The day began with a welcome session at the JRS premises, followed by a presentation from Ares on the work and priorities of JRS Europe. This exchange created space for dialogue with project managers, staff, and volunteers, fostering mutual understanding and shared vision. Informal conversations continued over lunch with team members and board representatives.

In the afternoon, Alberto engaged in a series of meetings highlighting the breadth and impact of JRS Luxembourg’s work. During the visit, he was able to explore the different programmes and meet and chat with various groups of migrants and refugees. A dedicated session focused on the Déng Plaz integration project and the Ubuntu rebondit initiative, both of which accompany young refugees and asylum seekers in situations of vulnerability. These programmes demonstrate JRS Luxembourg’s commitment to holistic accompaniment—combining language learning, psychosocial support, and pathways to social and professional integration.

Déng Plaz supports young people at different stages of their integration journey, offering literacy and French language courses, individual follow-up, and cultural and social activities. Meanwhile, Ubuntu rebondit provides a vital space of welcome and resilience-building for asylum seekers affected by the Dublin Regulation, including those in detention. Through daily presence, psychosocial support, and regular visits to detention centres, the programme offers accompaniment to some of the most vulnerable individuals.

Ares also met with Maria-Pia, the new Director of JRS Luxembourg, in a moment of encouragement and alignment for the road ahead. Later in the day, he participated in meetings with the incoming president, Arnaud, and the outgoing president, Bechara, as well as other board members, supporting a smooth and collaborative transition in governance.

The visit concluded with a shared dinner at the Jesuit community, bringing together staff, board members, and Jesuits in a spirit of fraternity and mission.

In addition to the programmes presented, the visit highlighted other key areas of JRS Luxembourg’s work. These include French language education initiatives such as d’Freed um Léieren, which builds bridges for adult refugees into the national education system; regular accompaniment and visits to detention and return centres; and advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring that refugees are treated with dignity and have access to their rights.

Reflecting on the visit, Alberto Ares expressed his deep gratitude for the warm welcome received and affirmed the importance of close collaboration between the European and country levels of JRS. “At this time of transition, it is essential to remain close to teams, to listen, and to walk together,” he noted. “The commitment and dedication of JRS Luxembourg are a powerful testimony to our shared mission of accompanying, serving, and advocating for refugees.”

This visit reaffirmed the strength of the JRS network across Europe and the importance of unity, discernment, and hope in responding to the challenges faced by forcibly displaced people today.