volunteers testimonies

From our volunteers

Silvia Kaeppeli

As a nurse, accompanying and caring for forcibly displaced Afghan children, youth and members of their families, makes me feel at peace with myself. It enables me to focus on what is required when I attend to a particular responsibility. I have known this deeply felt sense of fulfilment and gratitude about working with vulnerable and suffering persons ever since I started my journey as a nurse, some 50 years ago.

Cedric D'Souza

I did have the best experience when I came to teach

data-programming language in Afghanistan. It was the turning point of my life. I came back to India and gave up my job to pursue my passion for teaching, which I discovered during my period in Herat. I went on to do my MA in clinical psychology. I am now a practicing clinical psychologist and would be happy to come back to Afghanistan to teach psychology.

Margret Bergmann

My involvement for Afghanistan began soon after the end of the war in 2001. After the first years, by chance I received the magazine "jesuitenweltweit" (Autumn 2007). I was inspired, and immediately contacted Fr Klaus, and our

shared journey started.

Clifford DeSilva

Afghan and Indian culture share a lot in common. I am struck by the keen eagerness of the Afghan youth to learn. They are starved for practical, hands-on knowledge.

Azharul Haque

Working in Jesuit Refugee Service has been a life changing experience. It has given me an opportunity to come out of my bubble – live, work and understand hard-hitting issues faced by people. I have been working in Afghanistan since July 2019. It has provided me with insights; and witnessing the internal and external dynamics in a conflict zone, has encouraged me to engage for the cause and I want to continue contributing meaningfully.

Nothing makes me happier than to see the eyes of the people lit up with hope for a better future. I am glad to be able to make a difference.

Quentin Dignam

Any stranger entering Afghanistan joins a long story. I was no different. I learnt from travellers and the history books about centuries of conflict but I heard little of the ordinary person.

Norah McCluskey

I was asked if I could use my skills and so created three English level workbooks to bring with me to hand over to the Jesuit/JRS Afghan mission in Kabul.

Judith Behnen

During my visits in Afghanistan I was deeply impressed with the strength of women. It is so important to give them a space to follow their dreams and to satisfy their hunger for education.

Israiel Sarvishta

My journey into the heart of the city of Kabul began with the most astounding journey with JRS. It is no less than magic... that's what I felt.

Rohan Nazareth

Serving in Afghanistan with the Jesuits has been an experience of a lifetime. It’s been close to a decade now, but the memories of the people, the work and the camaraderie with the Jesuits still remain fresh in my memory. The one year I spent there widened my horizons more than I imagined it ever could. I returned a more empathetic, stronger and confident person. The lifestyle the JRS followed in Afghanistan also gave me opportunities which I felt most other NGOs would not provide its staff. What I also hold most dear is that, even after I’ve returned, I am always kept updated about the developments in Afghanistan; and nothing makes me happier than to hear the great work the Jesuit team is doing. I hope to one day be able to contribute again in Afghanistan, or anywhere else the Jesuits are, while the Jesuits continue to strive to make the world a better place.