Training of Trainers on Child Safeguarding and Protection

Don Bosco Tech Africa believes that the welfare of children and young people is the highest priority and that everyone who works for and with Don Bosco must undertake to ensure that children are protected from abuse and exploitation. Creating the right environment by promoting a culture of rights within the Don Bosco African institutions is a sure way to guarantee that children’s rights are upheld and promoted.

Accordingly, in 2022, Don Bosco Tech Africa, in collaboration with experts in the field of child safeguarding and protection, conducted training on child safeguarding and protection in 11 countries, namely Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and Nigeria. The objectives of the training were; to create awareness of a safe environment for the children and young people to grow with dignity in all Don Bosco institutions in Africa and Madagascar, to build the capacity of the participants to attain knowledge, skills, and correct attitudes needed to create a risk-free environment for all children, young people, and vulnerable adults and to create partnerships, collaboration, and networking space for advocacy in matters CSP.

To ensure the sustainability of this initiative, Don Bosco Tech Africa organized a train of trainers (ToT) for selected individuals from the above-mentioned countries. The training from 5^th – 9^th May 2023 brought together 39 participants, including Salesians, Laypeople working in Don Bosco Institutions, representatives from Salesian Sisters (FMA) in Kenya, Marist Brothers and St. Vincent De Paul.

The overall objective of the training was to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to conduct similar training back in their respective communities and institutions. The movement used various training methodologies, which included presentations, role plays, digital online tools, group discussions, brainstorming, videos, and online assessment tools.

At the end of the training, the participants expressed their gratitude to the facilitators for empowering them with their knowledge and skills. They accentuated that they are going back full of wisdom and knowledge and will transfer this to their institutions and communities. They also promised to develop child protection policies for their institutions, and those who have them already will use the knowledge gained to fill in the missing gaps.

Speaking on behalf of the facilitators, Sr. Damaris Muthusi thanked the participants for their active participation and enthusiasm to learn. In addition, she reminded the participants that they are now change champions and are expected to advocate for the rights of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Br John Njuguna coordinated the training, and Ms Catherine Kisasa and Sr. Damaris Muthusi did facilitation.