JRS Portugal gathers in Lisbon to prepare its Strategic Plan for 2027–2030

From 16 to 18 September, the JRS Portugal team gathered at the Casa de Oração Santa Rafaela Maria in Palmela for three days of reflection, dialogue and strategic planning aimed at preparing the organisation’s Strategic Plan for 2027–2030. The meeting brought together staff members, volunteers, board members, experts, academics and representatives from public institutions.

The days were an opportunity to reflect on JRS Portugal’s identity, mission and values, while also examining the current context of migration and the challenges and opportunities shaping the lives of people on the move. The programme included contributions from António Valério SJ, Provincial of the Portuguese Province of the Society of Jesus; Alberto Ares SJ, Director of JRS Europe; Rui Armindo Freitas, Secretary of State Assistant to the Presidency and Migration; António Vitorino, President of the National Council for Migration and Asylum; and Pedro Góis, President of the Observatory of Migration.

Participants explored the organisation’s current position through external consultation and a SWOT analysis, identifying areas for development and priorities for the years ahead. A reflection on the question of which issues Fr Pedro Arrupe would challenge JRS to address today also invited participants to reconnect strategic planning with the organisation’s Jesuit identity and commitment to serving people forced to flee their homes.

The second day focused on strategic and programmatic directions. Through a series of workshops facilitated by two experts -Rodrigo and Nuno Archer de Carvalho, director of Fundação Gonçalo da Silveira-, participants worked together to identify priorities and develop the foundations of the new plan. The process encouraged active participation across the JRS Portugal community and sought to connect institutional reflection with the experience of teams, volunteers and partners working on the ground.

The meeting concluded with a review of the vision and commitments that will guide the Strategic Plan 2027–2030. The process will continue as JRS Portugal develops and consolidates the outcomes of these days.

Reflecting on the gathering, Alberto Ares SJ expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and commitment of the JRS Portugal team:

“Deeply grateful for these days in Lisbon with the JRS Portugal team and Fr António Valério, the new Provincial of Portugal. Thank you for your warm hospitality.

Being in Portugal with the JRS team and my fellow Jesuits always feels like being at home. Special thanks to André Costa, Director of JRS Portugal, and to Jesuit priests Domingos Alberto Rodrigues de Freitas and Fernando Ribeiro.

My heartfelt gratitude to every member of such a rich and diverse team. The JRS mission in Portugal is in very good hands.”

JRS Europe is grateful to JRS Portugal for the commitment and vision to this important process. The next Strategic Plan will build on this shared reflection and strengthen JRS Portugal’s mission of accompanying, serving and advocating for refugees and migrants.