Jesuits seek support for Afghan mission

AFGHANISTAN, Jan. 21, 2010, 10.00 Hrs (CRIB):

We are there. But our support has to come from outside,” the priest said. “Life is every expensive in the cities,” Father Fernandes said with rents “sky high.”

Indian Jesuits working to rebuild the educational system in war-ravaged Afghanistan are asking for the support of the global Church for their mission.

“We are making a tremendous difference in the lives of Afghan people. We would like the entire Church to be part of this mission,” said Jesuit Father Stan Fernandes.

The Society of Jesus is the only Catholic male Religious congregation working in the nation and faces the constant threat of violence.

Members teach in three universities based in Kabul, Bamiyan and Herat at the invitation of the Afghan government, and also have a teacher training program.

“We are primarily teaching English in the universities,” Father Fernandes said during a visit to the South Asia Jesuit headquarters in New Delhi on Jan. 20.

The Jesuits have also been teaching biology, computer technology and management in the past four years, he said.

More staff and money needed

The mission needs more personnel and money.

“We are there. But our support has to come from outside,” the priest said. “Life is every expensive in the cities,” Father Fernandes said with rents “sky high.”

“Travel is also expensive as most of it is by air,” he said. Road travel is “very dangerous.”

The Sisters of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the Christian Brothers are collaborating with the Jesuits by sending personnel for short periods.

Jesuit Father Maria Joseph has been appointed adviser on technical education to the Afghan government’s Ministry of Education. The Jesuits’ efforts have helped the government launch the National Institute of Management in Kabul last March.

Apart from teaching students, the missioners have also been running training programs for teachers for four years to strengthen the national educational system.

“Our work is much appreciated. The people are open and friendly to us. We do not broach religion-related matters,” he said.

Women’s education

The Jesuit said that, contrary to perceptions, Afghan society encourages women’s education in areas not dominated by the Taliban.

“We could have got more girls if we could provide dormitory facilities for them,” the priest said. Boys stay in rooms available in market areas, but that is not possible for girls.

Impressed with the Jesuits “success and commitment,” the US State Department plans to fund a project to teach English to youths aged 14-15.

The Jesuits’ Afghanistan mission began in May 2002 but was abandoned when the situation became too volatile. The efforts resumed in 2005, when Jesuit Father A. Santiago and Brother Noel Oliver started teaching at Herat University, near the Iranian border.

While the Jesuits are the only male order in the country, some women Religious are working there. Two European nuns, who have been there for decades, are now Afghan citizens “giving the witness of life,” Father Fernandes said.