PAL Network is conducting a four-day training on safeguarding to help member organizations implementing citizen-led assessments and actions to protect children and other vulnerable populations. Happening in Nairobi, Kenya, from 23rd to 26th July, 2019, the training is led by Karen Rasmusen, a director and senior consultant with Child Safe Horizons – consultancy group focused on working to protect children from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The training which brings together participants from 15 member organizations and PAL Network staff, aims to increase understanding, awareness and the application of key elements of safeguarding. It also covers all critical components considered in developing safeguarding policies and procedures in line with global best practices.
PAL Network’s objective is to ensure that member organization staffs and volunteers are well equipped to deal with any issue they may become aware of, recognizing the important role they can have in looking out for and reporting on potential causes of harm to children. Member organizations often come in contact with children when assessing their literacy and numeracy competencies. Building the capacity of member organizations within the PAL Network to ensure that children and other vulnerable populations are protected –will continue with the new training as its pivot.
Following the United Nations guiding principles and the reported cases of sexual harassment and abuse among children globally, many organizations are increasing managing risks related such vices. To establish and strengthen systems and be institutionally sound with strong foundations, PAL Network sought to create awareness and prevention among its member organizations. Member organizations are encouraged to develop, implement and monitor child safeguarding and protection policies that prevent abuse of children and vulnerable adults.
“As active players in the education space, we can support the protection of children and other vulnerable populations by being aware of different types of abuse and the risks that can arise with regards to child safety,” said Dr Sara Ruto, Chief Executive Officer of PAL Network; adding that “PAL Network and our member organizations are taking an active role in safeguarding. This means putting policies in place to deal with this very sensitive issue and supporting the protection of children is imperative. The training is relevant to PAL Network and member organization’s staff who often comes in contact with children.”
Herman Van de Velde, Coordinator of ABACOenRed, Nicaragua, said that ABACOenRed works also with children in their project VIdA, and are happy to be working with PAL Network to develop safeguarding policies. Children everywhere have a right to be kept safe from harm, and the training will help gain a deep understanding of the specific risk children and vulnerable adults face in education settings, the importance of robust safeguarding policies, procedures to identify, report and protect children.