The training, which took place from September 19 to 20, 2025, was conducted on the school premises and brought together all teachers, administrative leaders, and support staff. Under the guidance of the officer of protection of children and vulnerable adult in Rwanda-Burundi Jesuit Province; Mrs. Marie Ange NSABIMANA, and with the organizational support of Rwanda-Burundi Jesuit Province, this initiative reaffirmed the Jesuit conviction that education must be rooted in the respect and safeguarding of every human life.
"The protection of children is not merely an institutional requirement, but a moral and spiritual obligation that flows from our identity as educators in a Jesuit school."
Training Facilitator
Mrs. Marie Ange NSABIMANA
Officer of Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults
Rwanda-Burundi Jesuit Province
Training Objectives
The training aimed to achieve the following key objectives:
- To deepen participants' understanding of the fundamental principles governing the protection of children and vulnerable adults
- To familiarize them with the institutional and legal guidelines that ensure the safety and dignity of all under our care
- To identify challenges encountered within the school context and to propose actionable solutions
Training Methodology
The sessions were designed to be interactive, reflective, and participatory, encouraging each participant to engage intellectually and personally.
Q&A Approach
Fostering active dialogue and reflection
Group Discussions
Gathering and exchanging perspectives
Plenary Sessions
Sharing insights and conclusions
Participatory Techniques
Critical thinking and collective learning
Key Definitions and Framework
Definition of a Child
"Anyone under eighteen years of age" — aligning with international conventions and providing the baseline for all preventive and disciplinary measures within Jesuit institutions.
Definition of a Vulnerable Adult
"Any person in a state of infirmity, physical or mental deficiency, or deprivation of personal liberty which, in fact, even occasionally limits their ability to understand or to want or otherwise resist the offence."
Protection and Safeguarding
"The responsibility to ensure that staff, operations, and programs do not harm children and adults nor expose them to abuse or exploitation."
Five Main Forms of Violence
A significant portion of the training was dedicated to understanding these critical areas:
Types of Violence Covered
- Physical Violence
- Emotional Violence
- Sexual Violence
- Neglect
- Exploitation
Participants examined both visible and hidden indicators of abuse, including physical signs such as burns, wounds, disabilities, pregnancy, drug abuse, truancy, and inappropriate clothing, as well as non-physical signs including mental distress, poor cognitive development, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and unhealthy attitudes toward sexuality and health.
Prevention Strategies
Key Preventive Measures
- Clear and enforceable policies and codes of conduct
- Ethical recruitment and screening of staff
- Continuous training for educators, students, and parents
- Appointment of a dedicated safeguarding officer
- Systematic assessment of institutional programs to eliminate potential risks
Reporting and Response Procedures
In cases of suspected or actual violence, participants were reminded that every witness bears the duty to act. Anyone aware of abuse must:
- Report immediately to the school's designated safeguarding officer
- Intervene responsibly to stop the act and ensure the victim's safety
- Seek assistance from competent authorities
- Inform the school administration for follow-up and documentation
Confidentiality must always be preserved, and the victim should be supported to ensure they do not feel abandoned. Investigations should be conducted only by authorized personnel and must avoid leading questions, allowing the victim to speak freely and truthfully.
Closing Remarks and Commitment
In his closing address, Fr. Innocent KAMANZI expressed deep gratitude to the facilitator and all participants for their attentiveness and engagement. He announced that a formal agreement will soon be signed between the school administration and all employees to ensure that the insights and commitments from this training are implemented concretely.
"To protect a child is to protect the future of humanity."
The training concluded with the presentation of certificates of completion to all participants who successfully passed the assessment.
Our Commitment
This training marked another decisive step in Mizero TSS's mission to form competent, compassionate, and conscientious men and women for others. By embracing the responsibility of protecting children and vulnerable persons, the school community not only fulfills its institutional duty but also embodies the Ignatian spirit of care, justice, and respect for the human person.