A Story in Celebration of 45th Anniversary Bangkok, Thailand –
As Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) celebrates 45 years of accompaniment, service, and advocacy, we honour the inspiring journeys of those who have walked with us. More than a story, Abdi’s relentless hope and deep-seated resilience are the living heartbeat of JRS accompaniment, reminding us why we walk this journey.

A Journey Shaped by History and Hope

“My name is Abdiaziz. I am originally from Ethiopia, and my ethnicity is Somali. Although we are part of Ethiopia, my community identifies as Somali. The area where I come from has long been affected by conflict because both Ethiopia and Somalia claim this land, which has a deep and complicated history tracing back to colonial times.

When the British divided the territories, they handed some areas to the Somali government after their defeat. Yet even today, the question of who the land belongs to continues to cause tension. My community does not consider themselves Ethiopian, even though I hold an Ethiopian ID. In that area, if people hear you speak Somali, they may suspect you of being a spy. There are many natural resources and mines in the region, which only makes the situation more difficult and complex.”

Finding a New Path with JRS

Abdiaziz’s journey with Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) began nearly seven years ago.

“I started to journey with JRS in 2017. At that time, I first joined the Urban Education Project (UEP) course. During the course, the Project Director asked me what kind of contribution I would like to make if there was an opportunity. I said “anything” because when I first arrived in Thailand, I was ready to do anything even cleaning classrooms. There weren’t many choices.

Later, I joined as an interpreter. After that, I became a teacher assistant. Within a month, I moved to the JRS office at Good Shepherd to help teachers prepare materials, check attendance, and organize classrooms. Then I joined the Urban Refugee Project (URP) as a receptionist.

For Abdiaziz, JRS gave him his first experience in a professional environment.
“After leaving my country, I didn’t know what a professional environment was like. . Through JRS, I learned how to work together not only with students, but also with the community. At first, it was challenging because I didn’t have a background related to psychosocial or education. But my colleagues, the previous assistants and counsellors, supported me a lot. We collaborated as a team. Whenever I wrote reports or notes, I always discussed them with my supervisor. We helped each other to learn and improve.

Now I feel more confident. When I first arrived in Thailand, I was afraid to leave my room as people said the police might arrest me. But after be part of JRS, I started going out, studying, and supporting community. I feel safe now. JRS feels like my family.

What Accompaniment Means

“In Somali, we have a word that is similar to accompaniment. raacid It means to go alongside someone and help them. For me, accompaniment means walking with someone, listening with compassion and respect. It’s a very beautiful word. It reminds me that we are never alone.

Accompaniment in Action

“To be honest, I think JRS already practices accompaniment very well. When you are in the office, you might not fully see it but when you are in the community, you feel it. People trust JRS deeply. When they are in need, the first name that comes to their mind is JRS.

Of course, there are still many needs such as shelter support especially for single people, and opportunities for children and single parents. Some cannot access assistance easily. If we could create more programs, like basic computer classes, salon training, or other life skills, it would help people earn income and support themselves.

Last year, there was a crochet activity where participants learned basic skills. If we could offer more activities like that, things that help people build their future, it would be amazing. JRS already does so much but there is always room to grow and continue accompanying our community.

Whenever we conduct activities, and I see that a client needs more help, I refer them to the case worker and I always feel supported by the team. They really take the time to consider and prioritize the client’s needs. That gives me encouragement to do more and keep improving our activities. I’ve also learned that at JRS, we are truly close to one another. It always feels like home to me.

A Message of Gratitude

“I am very grateful to JRS,” he says. “Since joining the UEP class until now, my life has changed completely. I found confidence, purpose, and a family.

45 Years of Walking Together

For 45 years, Jesuit Refugee Service has been walking alongside refugees and displaced people around the world, listening, serving, and sharing the journey. Abdiaziz’s story reminds us that accompaniment transforms not only the lives of those we serve but also our hearts, and of those who serve with us.