Training on the safeguarding of minors and persons in situations of vulnerability, Kigali, 9th day

On this 9th day of our formation, our confrere Prosper Harelimana, JPIC-ED Coordinator of the Society, presented to us the theme of “Safeguarding as a matter of Justice and Peace“. He showed us that in many African cultures, a child must be protected and cherished by his or her parents and those around him or her. Unfortunately, children can be abused under the pretext of cultural values. For this, we, missionaries, must be aware that children are human beings with the same dignity, protected by the human rights, and not objects. It is necessary to find a balance between what their education and duties entail and the acts of abuse they may suffer, such as sexual assault. The ministry of Safeguarding implies social fairness. To deepen this subject, we took the time to work in groups by provinces. 

In the afternoon, Brother Fabien Bulaimu, a member of the Congregation of the Marist Brothers, gave a conference on the need to prevent child abuse in our pastoral contexts. He addressed it mainly in the context of initial and on-going formation. Safeguarding is an integral part of our commitment to pastoral and formative ministry.

Safeguarding is our commitment

By: Alex Manda, Clément Kpatcha, Guy Sawadogo, Lowrent Kamwaza (News Team)