Webinar Summary – Issue 5.1: “How Can Jesuit Colleges and Universities Better Serve, and Stand in Solidarity With, Our Forcibly Displaced Sisters and Brothers?”
Date: March 20, 2025 | Time: 2:00 PM
The opening webinar of Best Practices in Jesuit Higher Education Issue 5.1 gathered two distinguished speakers working on the frontlines of supporting refugees and migrants: Gabriela Hilliger, professor at Universidad Alberto Hurtado (UAH) and Legal Director of the Jesuit Migrant Service (SJM) in Chile, and Stephen Raj, S.J., Regional Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) South Asia.
Gabriela Hilliger shared the ongoing initiatives led by UAH in collaboration with the Jesuit Migrant Service and local organizations. Among the most significant projects is the creation of a Legal Aid Clinic for Migrants—an initiative that provides free legal support to migrants and refugees facing diverse challenges in Chile. Currently, UAH runs five specialized legal clinics for migrants, including one focused exclusively on migrant children. These clinics offer crucial assistance with regularization processes, protection of rights, and support in cases of discrimination or violence.
Fr. Stephen Raj, S.J. presented the mission and actions of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) South Asia, which works across countries like India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. JRS South Asia focuses on accompanying, serving, and advocating for refugees, forcibly displaced persons, and marginalized communities. Their programs cover essential areas such as education, livelihoods, psychosocial support, and emergency assistance. Fr. Stephen highlighted the importance of integral education programs for refugee children, including providing schooling in refugee camps and training for teachers. JRS also runs livelihood programs that empower refugees, particularly women, helping them build skills for sustainable income generation.
The webinar was highly participatory, with attendees engaging actively and contributing to a very interesting debate following the speakers' presentations. Both panelists exchanged insights with participants, enriching the conversation around the role of Jesuit institutions in supporting displaced populations.
For those who could not attend, the recording of the webinar will be available soon. Additionally, the team is currently organizing the Webinar Series for Issue 5.1. Interested participants are encouraged to pre-register for upcoming webinars. Once enough participants are confirmed, the sessions will be scheduled, and all details will be shared. You can find more information and pre-register here.
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