Jesuit Refugee Service Singapore
Accompany. Serve. Advocate.
Happy Birthday to Pedro Arrupe, SJ and to JRS!
Today is JRS Day! 43 years ago on 14th November 1980, Fr Pedro Arrupe SJ, founded the Jesuit Refugee Service in response to the plight of Vietnamese refugees. We share the special prayer of Fr Arrupe, SJ and reflect on our Mission to Accompany, Serve and Advocate for refugees and displaced people.

Commemorating the founding of
Jesuit Refugee Service
The Jesuit Refugee Service was founded by Fr Pedro Arrupe SJ, then Superior General of the Society of Jesus, on 14 November 1980. 42 years later, JRS continues its mission to accompany, serve and advocate for our refugee brothers and sisters throughout the world.
On our 42nd Anniversary, Affia, a refugee student from the JRS Digital Education Programme, shares her personal experience. This video clip was produced by a fellow refugee student Mukhzan.
LEAP@JRS
Building An Inclusive World – LEAP@JRS
JRS Singapore has embarked on LEAP@JRS – a community building initiative focused on nurturing professional skills for the individual and developing resilience and self-sustainability for the community.
LEAP@JRS encompasses:
- certified education programs such as digital marketing, graphic design and CISCO academy courses;
- professional development sessions such as resume writing, interview and presentation skills;
- wellness programs to better manage stress and enhance emotional resilience and
- facilitates virtual internships with values-aligned partners to prepare asylum seekers and refugees for future employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The cornerstone of LEAP@JRS is the education program E3 – Education for Economic Empowerment which equips asylum seekers and refugees with certified IT skills. Women and girls are strongly encouraged to apply. Graduates of E3 are encouraged to embark on virtual internship opportunities facilitated by JRS (Internship Programme). E3 includes a ‘Teach the Trainer’ certification program / Instructor Course and it is envisaged that from Year 2, qualified asylum seekers and refugees will be part of the E3 Teaching faculty and programme office. LEAP@JRS engages strategic partners both in Singapore and the region. These eco-system partners include academic institutions, social enterprises, NGOs and the business community.
Lead, Educate, Advocate & Partner
Life Skills
- Self-Management
- Resilience
- Mindfulness
- Creativity
E3 – Education for
Economic Empowerment
- Digital Marketing
- Graphic Design
- CISCO Academy
- Web & IT Skills
Future Ready
- Financial Skills
- Career Development
- Communications
Virtual Internships
- Training
- Mentorship
- Experience @ Work
- Allowance

Congratulations to our Pioneer Batch for completing the very first E³ Digital Training-MTC 1 Express Path Course! We are deeply encouraged by your enthusiasm and commitment throughout your learning journey.
Be part of our ecosystem – Scope for LEAP@JRS
Trainers &
Content Providers
Soft Skills
IT Skills
Career Preparation
Internship Partners
On-the-Job Training
Mentorship
Career Development
Donors
Funds
IT Equipment
Licensed Software
Safe Training Premises
“In the name of all those who persecute you, who have persecuted you, those who have hurt you, above all for the indifference of the world, I ask for forgiveness, forgiveness.”
~ Pope Francis in Bangladesh in 2017