Training session on safeguarding of minors at Ruzizi, Bukavu-D.R. Congo

Father Arsène Somda, safeguarding delegate for the Sector of Bukavu, in collaboration with formators from our philosophy formation house, Notre-Dame-d’Afrique de la Ruzizi, in Bukavu, organised a three-day training session from 15^th to 17^th December 2025.

Focusing on the prevention of abuse and the protection of children and vulnerable persons, the session addressed three themes: the definition of terms specific to the Safeguarding Ministry (children, minors, abuse and others); the different categories of persons who require special attention within the Church (children/minors, vulnerable adults and persons in situations of vulnerability); the different types of abuse and their consequences for victims.

Participants also had time to share their thoughts on the questions raised during the session. The session ended with vespers, during which, in the presence of the formators, the students signed the pastoral code of conduct on safeguarding for the Central African Province (PAC).

Safeguarding is our commitment!

By: Arsène Somda, M.Afr. (Provincial Coordinator of the PAC for Safeguarding)