Care for Creation and Communities
JRS Social Mission Trip to Kampot, Cambodia
Earlier this month, 20 participants from Singapore joined a 4-day Social Mission Trip to Kampot, Cambodia, organised by Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in partnership with Jesuit Service Cambodia (JSC). The trip brought participants together to learn about the connections between climate change, environmental protection, and the wellbeing of vulnerable communities.
Learning from Communities
Participants visited coastal communities in Kampot Province, where they learned about the challenges communities face as environmental pressures affect traditional livelihoods such as fishing.
The group spent time with the Kampongsamaki and Preak Thanot communities, hearing first-hand how local leaders and residents are working together to protect their environment while building sustainable sources of income.
Supporting Mangrove Restoration
Together with the JSC Ecology Programme team, participants took part in mangrove planting activities alongside community members.
Mangroves play an important role in protecting coastlines from erosion, supporting marine biodiversity, and strengthening climate resilience for local communities.
Encounter in Phnom Penh
The journey also included time in Phnom Penh, where participants met with JRS Cambodia and engaged with asylum seekers and refugees to better understand the realities faced by displaced communities.
The group also visited the Missionaries of Charity, learning about their compassionate service to vulnerable people in Cambodia.
A Journey of Reflection and Solidarity
Beyond the activities, the trip was a meaningful journey of encounter, reflection, and solidarity.
Through these experiences, participants were reminded that Care for Creation is care for people, and that protecting our environment is closely connected to protecting human dignity.
🌱 If you feel called to journey with us in future social mission trips and learn alongside communities working to care for our common home, we warmly welcome you to join us.
🌿 View highlights from the trip on our social media channels. FaceBook link / Instagram link
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How does climate change drive displacement? Why do vulnerable people decide to move or stay?
“In Our Island” is a video documentary produced by JRS Asia Pacific featuring the vision, views, and values of climate-vulnerable communities in the Philippines as they make choices and face the future.
JRS Asia Pacific is implementing the Research and Advocacy for Climate Policy and Action (RACPA) project with the Institute of Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC) and Percik Institute as consortium partners. RACPA (2023–2028) is supported by the Government of Australia and Caritas Australia.
Addressing Climate-Induced Displacement
Who are we?
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Singapore recently formed a sub-committee called Care for Creation and Communities (CCC). This initiative was born from our deep concern for how climate change is impacting the most vulnerable, especially communities already at risk of forced displacement.
Through CCC, we are exploring practical ways to respond — by raising awareness, advocating for vulnerable communities, and walking in solidarity with those on the frontlines of environmental challenges.
Our Areas of Focus
- Awareness & Education – sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences to deepen understanding of climate displacement
- Advocacy – amplifying the stories of vulnerable communities, making their struggles known, and inspiring other around the globe to support and take action
- Community Engagement – creating spaces for dialogue, reflection, and collective action, while also spending time with vulnerable communities to listen, learn, and understand their needs and struggles firsthand
- Partnership – building collaborations with individuals, organizations and networks that share our mission
How You Can Get Involved
We warmly welcome those who share our passion for caring for creation and supporting displaced communities. You can join us by:
- Volunteering your time and skills
- Partnering with us on initiatives
- Attending events and learning sessions
- Co-create meaningful programmes and activities with us
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Link to Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) articles:
JCAP Flagship Project: Sailing On
Project 40-4-40: Growing canopies and strengthening communities
Listen to Faith & Ecology, a podcast making climate and COP30 issues simple and accessible