Jesuit Missions launches Companions in Action for Schools

Jesuit Missions is launching their Companions in Action programme on 3 December, the Feast of St Francis Xavier. Companions in Action partners Jesuit schools in the UK with Jesuit schools in the Global South. This programme seeks to create a working relationship in which young people can share their common humanity, their Ignatian identity and work to create a better world where the dignity of each individual is cherished.

Companions in Action aims to develop a mutually beneficial and sustainable relationship between schools in the United Kingdom and their partner school in the developing world.

Richard Greenwood, Outreach and Communications Manager at Jesuit Missions, said: "We want to promote Jesuit Education and enable pupils to take action for social justice both at home and overseas. Our Jesuit schools have been engaged in international partnerships for a number of years but taking action together will be at the heart of this new-look programme."

Inspired by Pope Francis' teachings in Laudato Si', Jesuit Missions Companions in Action Programme will encourage students to adopt a positive lifestyle and a shared responsibility to care for our common home, working together with their overseas partners.

Lynn McWilliams, Outreach Coordinator at Jesuit Missions said: "Young people around the world are eager to make a difference, eager to be agents of change and eager to use their skills and talents for the greater glory of God. Companions in Action provides an exciting opportunity for pupils to work together with their counterparts in in the Global South to be those agents of change, to promote care of our common home and to speak out for the dignity of all."

If your school would like to get involved and begin an international partnership, you can find all the resources by visiting the Jesuit Missions website: https://jesuitmissions.org.uk/schools/companionsinaction/

Jesuit Missions is the international development office for the Jesuits in Britain. For over 50 years it has supported vulnerable communities across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The founder of the Jesuits, St Ignatius, called his first followers Companions. One of the first Jesuits, St Francis Xavier devoted most of his life to mission work in India and South East Asia. As the Patron Saint of Missionaries, Companions in Action will be launched on his feast day to mark this new type of global companionship.