Safeguarding

After the resounding success of the initial 30-hour online training course in November-December 2023, the AOR Safeguarding Team has welcomed 11 new members, expanding our collective dedication to the protection of vulnerable individuals within our communities. This expansion follows another rigorous training program similar to the one that laid the foundation for our ongoing mission. While the original training gave us 21 “graduates”, this one has given us 11 more. Of the 11, we had 10 laypeople and one Jesuit. Eight of the 11 came from Tanzania while 3 came from Kenya. Through Community Superiors and Directors of Works, invitations to attend the training were open to all Jesuits and collaborators throughout our six countries.

Building on a Strong Foundation

The recent training program, akin to its predecessor, and primarily intended to build a culture of safeguarding throughout our apostolates, delved deep into essential topics surrounding safeguarding, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, prevent, and respond to instances of abuse. From exploring the nuances of childhood and abuse to navigating the complexities of Canon Law and Safeguarding, our members emerged not only enlightened but emboldened to champion safeguarding principles within their respective spheres of influence.

Outlining the Training Structure

Similar to the first training, participants navigated through a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster a deep understanding of safeguarding principles. From introductory concepts elucidating terminologies to practical explorations of Child Growth and Development, each topic served as a building block, laying the groundwork for effective safeguarding practices.

A Call to Action: Supporting Safeguarding Initiatives

As we look to the future, our shared commitment to safeguarding within the Province remains unwavering. We recognize the need for proactive communication, collective responsibility, collaboration, and widespread awareness initiatives to sustain the momentum of our safeguarding efforts.

Reaching Out to Team Members

We are pleased to announce that the Safeguarding Team now comprises 32 members. While three Jesuits currently reside outside the province borders, they remain accessible to the team. The remaining 29 Jesuits and laypeople are located within the province. Initially, we intended to ensure an equitable distribution of team members across our six countries. However, the response to the training invitation resulted in a disparity, particularly in Ethiopia and Uganda, where only one representative from each country attended. Nevertheless, regardless of the attendance from each country, we are proud to boast a significant pool of members within the Province, providing ample support to communities and apostolates. This alleviates the pressure for reliance solely on Nairobi. We encourage reaching out to team members for any necessary support.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Dream

As we reflect on our journey thus far, we envision a future where safeguarding principles permeate every aspect of our work and communities. The prospect of running similar training programs in underserved regions and widening our scope fills us with optimism and determination to continue our mission of protection and empowerment.

In the spirit of solidarity and collective action, we embark on this journey together, fanning the flames of safeguarding to create a safer, more compassionate world for all.