Summer Programme
The Summer Programme was very popular in 2009 with every space in two communities filled. 11 volunteers lived in Birmingham and Manchester and spent 4 weeks in August working on a variety of social justice projects, mainly working with refugees and homeless people as well as enjoying working outside in gardens.
The communities had a chance to meet each other at the induction weekend and learn about the JVC values. Each community met with a facilitator twice a week to discuss how their experience was helping them explore the values of social justice, simple lifestyle, community and spirituality. Volunteers also had a chance to visit Jesuit houses. Volunteers came from Switzerland, Spain and the USA with the majority being British undergraduates using their vacation to help others and gain useful experience.
Across the channel
In June, we entertained Fr Vincent and the JVC France volunteers from Marseilles. They spent a few days with us being introduced to Britain. They visited one of our placements in Liverpool and baked bread with Somewhere Else, the bread church. There was some opportunity to see the sights of Liverpool, as well as Manchester where they stayed. A visit to Loyola Hall for some spiritual input and a walk in their lovely grounds was enjoyed by all. Getting together with volunteers from JVC Britain they discussed their placements and what each had learned from their different JVC experiences. They also had some time to have a Mass, a party and a game of frisbee with JVC Britain volunteers.
Reunion
In October, volunteers from various years met in Manchester to reconnect with JVC. We ate together, prayed together, went for a long walk in the park and discussed those JVC values together. Former volunteers talked about what JVC had meant to them and how they felt it had influenced their lives since. Many talked about their careers in social justice and how that had been inspired and helped in this work by their experience as JVC volunteers. One theme presented itself: Former JVC’s are men and women for others, whether their focus was on their children, their work or studies, the JVC outlook kept them looking outwards and working towards a better society.
Talking about volunteering
Staff and volunteers visited a number of careers fairs and schools to talk about JVC and give students a chance to ask volunteers what JVC is really like. If you would like us to visit a school, chaplaincy or church get in touch and we will see if we can come and visit you.
New volunteers
New volunteers are from Germany Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and the UK. They have settled in to their placements and are supporting people with learning difficulties… campaigning for change…working with children in schools… helping homeless people… gardening… helping people with practical tasks… supporting refugees and asylum seekers… teaching reading and writing skills… making cups of tea… listening to people…
Holy Joe 