Welcome to the Safeguarding Conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania!
Gathering in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, over 90 major superiors of religious congregations have come together to discuss and share best practices in safeguarding vulnerable adults and children within their communities. The conference aims to explore ways to uphold ethical standards and create safe environments for all members.
Written by Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The issue of safeguarding vulnerable individuals has become increasingly crucial within the Church, with a growing awareness of abuse and misconduct. The Church is expected to provide a safe haven for spiritual growth and moral guidance.
Under the theme “Creating awareness on safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults: The Catholic Church perspective,” 92 major superiors from 84 different congregations gathered for a four-day conference organized by the Tanzania Catholic Association of Sisters (TCAS).
Sr. Jacinta Ondeng, the project leader for the safeguarding initiative project, emphasized the importance of establishing safe environments within religious institutions. This includes implementing clear policies, safe recruitment processes, and effective reporting mechanisms.
During the conference, participants discussed various topics such as safeguarding as a ministry in the Church, signs of abuse, legal frameworks, and working with victims of abuse. The goal is to integrate safeguarding practices into the daily operations and ethos of religious institutions to create a culture of accountability and respect.
Religious as Beacons of Hope
Through their commitment to service, prayer, and justice, religious individuals are seen as symbols of perseverance and grace. They are expected to guide the faithful towards a future rooted in hope and spiritual renewal.
Sr. Ondeng highlighted the importance of being beacons of hope in a world where dignity, safety, and justice prevail for all, especially the most vulnerable among us.
She emphasized the need for ongoing training sessions to reinforce safeguarding principles and introduce new best practices. Clear reporting mechanisms and periodic audits of safeguarding measures will ensure accountability within religious communities.
As we continue to work towards creating a safe and compassionate environment for all, let us remember that every effort we make has the potential to create positive change. By standing up for the dignity of the vulnerable, we become instruments of God’s love and mercy.
