My Takeaways from JCAM's CPOs Workshop
By Fr. Silas Kemboi, SJ
I have been musing on my experience of the JCAM’s CPOs workshop I attended. It was my first workshop, and I had a lot of learning to do. Yes, there were things that got me excited, and others left me worried. In this week’s update, I share my take home as consolation, desolation, and hopes.
Consolation:
Looking at the state of our Province and hearing the experiences of others, there is much to celebrate. However, I will focus on three key aspects that stood out, which I have termed the “Three Cs”: commitment, creativity, and collaboration.
- Commitment: The universal society of Jesus and most provinces in the continent have many individuals who are committed to promoting a consistent culture of protection. Meeting and interacting with some of these individuals was a consolation.
- Creativity: Although they are innocent, some terms, such as protection, can easily elicit resistance. This is mainly due to their historical usage. It somehow categorizes some individuals as perpetrators. It is encouraging that some CPOs are finding creative ways of communicating, contextualizing, and promoting a consistent culture of protection.
- Collaboration: The work of safeguarding and promotion of a consistent culture of protection is not one person’s work but a collective effort. I was encouraged to hear how some provinces are collaborating with government and non-governmental organizations.
Desolation:
A source of concern for me came from the report from the common houses of formation. It seems there is a limited level of enthusiasm from the Jesuits in the common houses of formations. It can be worrying because, in the near future, the same people will be directors of works and superiors. The question is, will they be supportive of the work of safeguarding and protection?
Hope:
Looking ahead, my hope is that we, as a Province, establish a strong safeguarding team composed of committed and creative individuals. However, considering that much of our safeguarding work depends on the support of directors of works and superiors, I sincerely hope we receive the backing we need from these leaders.
