Theresa joined Pusat Kebajikan Good Shepherd (PKGS) as Executive Director in April 2006. In this role, Theresa had oversight of the Good Shepherd welfare services in Malaysia.
She was a member of the Good Shepherd Asia Pacific Partnership (GSAPP) Team from 2007 to 2015. The focus of the GSAPP team is to co-ordinate the growth and development of partnership for mission in the Asia Pacific region.
Theresa was a member of the Congregational Chapter Planning Committee, preparing for the Chapter held in Angers, France in June 2015. She was chosen by the Congregational Leadership Team as Congregational representative to the Chapter in 2015.
In 2016 Theresa accepted the role of Regional Manager of the Mission Development Office, Asia Pacific. (Now Regional Manager, Asia Pacific Regional Office, Good Shepherd International Foundation.)
This is her personal story.
I started work with Good Shepherd Malaysia on Monday, 24 April 2006. Little did I know that it was the Feast Day of Saint Mary Euphrasia.
Over fourteen years have since passed.
As I look back, what comes to mind immediately is the relevance of Good Shepherd mission in today's context. It is amazing that an organisation founded in the 1800s in France to reach out to women and girls in crisis situations, is still very much relevant and needed today. Good Shepherd mission continues to extend its compassionate presence of reconciliation and restoration of dignity to countless women and girls who are exploited and live on the margins of society. It is against this backdrop that Good Shepherd Malaysia embraced mission partnership for its sustainability into the future.
In 2005, the Good Shepherd Sisters opened their doors to lay staff at all levels of management in Good Shepherd Malaysia. This development called for new ways of corporate governance, management of roles and responsibilities, refining of policies and operating procedures. It entailed taking the huge risk of letting go of “the old”, and embracing and trusting in “the new”. I pay tribute to the sisters for the audacity and vision to risk for mission as there were many difficult moments of not knowing, of just trusting the Spirit to lead us.
As the first lay Executive Director of Good Shepherd Malaysia, I have not only witnessed, but am party to, the challenging transition experienced by both Sisters and lay partners as we work side by side to live out the Good Shepherd Mission. Often, we were challenged to support each other in new ways as we assumed co-responsibility to perform our roles in the organisation. The process of transition was inevitably fraught with difficult moments, but with generosity of hearts and resolve, we have managed to refine and define our own calling and purpose in being Good Shepherd people.
I belief that we are now reaping the fruits of this prophetic change and new vision on religious-lay partnership. During the last seven years, the organisation was able to rapidly introduce new services and programmes to meet needs. This is a testimony of the success and synergy of mutual and collaborative partnership. The number of lay persons who are either working or supporting the Good Shepherd mission in one way or another, has increased significantly, and more importantly, these partners have brought with them much resources - talents, skills, experiences and connections.
There is a renewed hope that Good Shepherd mission in Malaysia will outlive its founders, and be carried forward by mission partners (sisters and lay persons) who will continue to make a difference to the lives of many women and girls in need of assistance.
In Indonesia and Central East India diverse, creative and enjoyable awareness raising activities were held in numerous cities and venues, and included competitions, videos, street play and rally
Creative activities were held in Malaysia and Singapore to mark IDG and to raise awareness of vital issues. Activities included videos, slideshow and awareness raising about Cyber Security
In Pakistan, Myanmar, SW India and Nepal the International Day of the Girl Child was celebrated in Theme Songs and videos, TV interview and much more - in Good Shepherd schools and other ministries
Theresa Symons' dream for a Good Shepherd regional response to 2020 International Day of the Girl Child engaged people all over the region and beyond. Jamie Sgherza, member of the planning committee, shares his reflections
Activities include promotional material in public spaces and on websites, TV / radio interviews and newspaper interviews, video production, sessions on online safety, Teachers' Online Survey
Join the GSAP regional campaign which is running from International Day of the Girl Child 11 October until Human Rights Day 10 December 2020. Get involved in this campaign and encourage others to join you!
View video of Ms Theresa Symons outlining the issues facing women at risk of Trafficking and describing GSAP commitment to Protection, Prevention, Prosecution and Partnership. Link to article about Global Shepherds' shelter in Kuala Lumpur
The GSAP Integration Committee describes its meeting in Kuala Lumpur from 12-16 July in ways which are inspirational and practical, and they invite us all to seize the moment. Carpe Diem!
Stop Hunger is a global organization committed to a hunger-free world. Bisto Bai Meravi, member of a GS project in Central East India was nominated by the Sisters and GSIF and received an International Award
The GSAPIC met in Singapore from 15-17 March 2019. This brief description gives a flavour of their work, and more information will be available after their plans are considered by the APC in April
The Good Shepherd Communities of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan participated in a strategic planning exercise in their respective locations, in late February 2019
An important meeting was held on the island of Batam from 10-12 August 2018 to review the ministry which was established there in 2003 and to build capacity for the future
The Good Shepherd International Foundation (GSIF) held its first Regional Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 15-19 October 2018
The nine Province Leaders of Asia Pacific met in Ipoh, Malaysia for their annual meeting, joined by two sisters from the Congregational Leadership Team
In organizing a session, workshop or meeting, who do you look for to facilitate the event? This article may give you some good ideas....
Watch a compelling film produced by the Good Shepherd International Foundation featuring three Dalit women from a Good Shepherd Economic Justice Project
16 participants from many provinces of Asia Pacific responded to the call to learn the skills of facilitation at a workshop held in Ipoh, Malaysia from 31 March to 8 April
Theresa Symons leads a session for 44 Mission Partners - sisters and lay - in Cisarua, Bogor on 25-26 February 2016
When Mission Partner Theresa Symons accepted an invitation to attend a round table discussion with officers from the US Department of State she had no idea she would find herself at a small meeting with President Barack Obama
Historic first Formation and Partnership Session in Asia Pacific creates a distinct shift in the understanding of Partnership for Mission
Comprehensive overview from the GSAPP team - how Good Shepherd Partnership for Mission is developing in this region
In Malaysia a Good Shepherd Centre continues to adapts to new needs, opening its doors to unaccompanied refugee minors
Anne Baltazar from Malaysia speaks on Prostitution and Human Trafficking at the Vatican, and meets Pope Francis
From 7-11 November 2014, 18 Mission Partners from Singapore-Malaysia visited Myanmar - a Good Shepherd Beyond Borders experience
Pusat Kebajikan Teenage Centre in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia celebrates Volunteers Appreciation Day
Learn more about the foundress of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd through booklets and Youtube video produced by Good Shepherd in Singapore-Malaysia
Providing skills training and income generating opportunity for women in crisis - empowerment and a sense of dignity