By: Caritas Media
Caritas Freetown, with support from the Civil Peace Service Agiamondo concluded a two days session 16th-17th November 2023 on Safeguarding Refresher Training at the Pope John Paul Pastoral Centre Syke St. for its staff.
The aim of the Refresher training was to reinforce the organisation’s safeguarding policy and best practices.
In recognition of the vital role safeguarding plays in ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals in its programs, Caritas Freetown conducted the training for both existing and new staff members. The initiative focused on equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent and address safeguarding concerns effectively.
The Safeguarding Refresher Training covered a spectrum of topics, including recognizing signs of abuse, handling disclosures, reporting mechanisms, referral pathways, bullying, and the significance of maintaining confidentiality.
Participants actively engaged in discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
Facilitated by Mrs. Grace Jones, Safeguarding Focal Person of Caritas Freetown, and Hassan John Sapateh, Local Leadership, Partnership, and Capacity Strengthening Coordinator at CRS.
the training also included group activities. Participants were organized into groups to create safeguarding messages for their respective communities, emphasizing practical application.
Furthermore, the participants underwent a short quiz to evaluate their understanding of the training content and assess their ability to apply the knowledge gained in real-life situations. The facilitators directed the training toward ensuring that the safeguarding policy, service providers’ clauses, and safe recruitment practices among others were thoroughly understood and adhered to.
As a conclusion to the two-day session, participants conducted an online evaluation, allowing facilitators to gauge the progress made. Mrs. Grace Jones expressed gratitude to sponsors CPS Agiamondo for funding the training and acknowledged CRS for their valuable technical support. She also commended the participants for their unwavering commitment throughout the training session.
Caritas Freetown’s Safeguarding Refresher Training stands as a testament to its dedication to maintaining the highest standards in safeguarding, ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of its staff and the communities it serves.
