In its ongoing commitment to fostering a safe, dignified, and nurturing educational environment, Mizero Technical Secondary School held a two-day training on the protection of children and vulnerable persons.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 Rwada- 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 event was officially opened by Rev. Fr. Innocent KAMANZI, Head Manager of Mizero TSS, who reminded the participants that 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.
The training aimed to achieve the following 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.
The sessions were designed to be interactive, reflective, and participatory, encouraging each participant to engage intellectually and personally.
Among the pedagogical methods used were:The question-and-answer approach, fostering active dialogue and reflection;Group discussions to gather and exchange perspectives;Plenary sessions, allowing participants to share insights and conclusions;And other participatory techniques that encouraged both critical thinking and collective learning.
Through these approaches, participants not only acquired knowledge but also developed a sense of shared responsibility in ensuring the protection of children and vulnerable persons in their daily duties.
In Jesuit safeguarding frameworks, the protection of minors and vulnerable adults begins with clear, universal definitions grounded in both civil and ecclesial norms. A child is identified as “anyone under eighteen years of age,” a definition that aligns with international conventions and provides the baseline for all preventive and disciplinary measures within Jesuit institutions. A vulnerable adult, meanwhile, is described as “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.” This definition highlights the moral obligation of Jesuit communities to extend care beyond minors to adults who, by condition or circumstance, may be exposed to abuse or coercion. The principle of protection and safeguarding is thus framed as “the responsibility to ensure that staff, operations, and programs do not harm children and adults nor expose them to abuse or exploitation.” This ethical mandate transforms safeguarding from a reactive measure into a proactive culture of care and accountability. Finally, the Jesuit Global document on safeguarding recalls that “every child and every adult have the right to live in peace, free from violence,” thereby reaffirming the Society of Jesus’s commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and any form of violence. Together, these definitions articulate a coherent vision rooted in respect for human dignity and the Ignatian call to protect the most vulnerable as an essential expression of faith and justice.
A significant portion of the training was dedicated to understanding the five main forms of violence:Physical, Emotional, Sexual, Neglect, and Exploitation. Moreover, participants examined both visible and hidden indicators of abuse. Physical signs include burns, wounds, disabilities, pregnancy, drug abuse, truancy, unexplained possessions, inappropriate clothing, chronic hunger, and even death or suicide while Non-physical signs include mental distress, poor cognitive development, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and unhealthy attitudes toward sexuality and health.
The training emphasized that violence leaves both immediate and long-term consequences—emotional scars that may outlast physical ones.
Participants reflected on who can commit acts of violence, noting that perpetrators may include parents, caregivers, teachers, leaders, or even victims who repeat patterns of abuse.The session also outlined preventive strategies, including:
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;
And systematic assessment of institutional programs to eliminate potential risks.
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; and
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.
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.
He further encouraged everyone to be ambassadors of protection and compassion, reminding the audience that “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.
The 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. May this renewed awareness translate into daily practices that ensure Mizero TSS remains a place where every learner feels safe, valued, and loved.
