JCAM PSOs’ Meeting
By Fr. Silas Kemboi, SJ
From Saturday, 30 October to 3 November, Abba Kiprono and I had the privilege of joining fellow Province Safeguarding Officers (PSOs) from Jesuit Provinces and Common Houses of Formation across the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) for their annual conference at Africama House.
The main purpose of this year’s gathering was to revisit the JCAM Safeguarding Strategic Plan. In his opening remarks, Fr. José Minaku, President of JCAM, invited us to speak frankly, listen generously, and have the courage to make decisions that would bring about meaningful change on the ground.
We had an opportunity to examine and share what is working well and what is not working well in our respective contexts. We also presented a report on safeguarding activities and progress in our Province.
Drawing from the African proverb, “One tree cannot make a forest,” we underscored the need for most, if not all, Jesuits to see safeguarding as an integral part of their mission rather than an imposition from outside. Safeguarding cannot be the responsibility of a few; it calls for a collective commitment and ownership.
As we plan and strategize for the coming year, we hope you will join us as partners. Together, we can make a forest!
