In his opening speech, Br. John set the tone by emphasizing that child protection is not an external obligation but a reflection of Don Bosco’s Preventive System, rooted in reason, religion, and loving kindness. He reminded participants that safeguarding is a moral and legal responsibility, urging all to be fully present in the lives of the young, not just physically, but also emotionally, spiritually, and morally. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of educators and staff across the Don Bosco network to prevent, identify, and respond to child protection concerns while fostering safe and empowering environments for children and vulnerable groups.
The workshop featured an in-depth content delivered by Br. John Njuguna and Mr. Patrick Wachira, both experts in child safeguarding and protection. Topics included legal frameworks such as the UDHR, UNCRC, ACRWC, and national child protection laws; the connection between Don Bosco’s Preventive System and global safeguarding approaches; risk assessment, case management, and child protection systems; basic counselling skills and self-care; public relations in social work; building partnerships, networking and advocacy; and the development of policies, frameworks, and compliance mechanisms. The methodology was highly participatory, combining expert presentations, case studies, and group discussions that allowed for shared learning grounded in real-life contexts.
Ms. Kafando Larissa, speaking on behalf of the participants, expressed gratitude for the content and the warm atmosphere emphasizing that they leave with more knowledge, more motivation, and the feeling of having taken one step further toward better protection of children. Mr. Nzanana Emmanuel, also a participant, remarked that he feels more empowered to act and educate others.
Mr. Thomas Faber, Don Bosco Tech Africa Program Coordinator, reinforced the shared commitment, urging, “The real work starts after this. Let’s inspire others and ensure that children are safe every day.”
Mr. Patrick Wachira, the facilitator, reflected on his nearly two decades of experience in the child safeguarding field, sharing that while the work may not offer material rewards, its actual value lies in positively impacting the life of even a single child. He encouraged participants to remain committed and consistent in their efforts, assuring them that although the results may not be immediately visible, their impact would be felt over time. He emphasized that no contribution is too small, and that meaningful change often takes root quietly but lasts for years to come.
In his closing remarks, Br. John reminded participants of their sacred responsibility, emphasizing that true protection goes beyond rules and requires a preventive, empathetic, and formative presence that enables children not just to survive, but to flourish. He emphasized that every child is sacred, a reflection of God’s image and that safeguarding must be lived out through our daily actions, attitudes, and presence. He encouraged participants to continue learning and make full use of the Don Bosco Tech Learning Management System, while also staying connected with the DB Tech Africa team for support. “Let us live here renewed in our commitment to be trustworthy adults, loving educators, and defenders of human dignity. Let us be vigilant, not out of fear, but out of love.”
To ensure the training’s impact continues beyond the workshop, participants developed Training Implementation Plans outlining how they will cascade their learnings in their respective institutions and countries. This includes training others, helping create local safeguarding policies, and monitoring compliance.
As the participants return home, they carry with them not just knowledge but a renewed commitment to create environments where every child is seen, heard, safe, and able to thrive. The workshop was more than training; it was a call to action. In the words of Don Bosco, echoed throughout the sessions: “It is not enough for young people to be loved; they must know that they are loved.”
The training, which is part of the Global Programme, was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany, through Don Bosco Mondo, Bonn.