Training of trainers on child protection policy at Wellington, Chennai

📅 July 22, 2016 • 📍 Wellington, Chennai

Six participants from our province, Sr. Agatha Dias, Sr. Magdalene Sequeira, Sr. Meena D’Silva, Sr. Caroline Menezes, Sr. Moksha Mary, and Sr. Rita Lobo, attended the Training of Trainers (TOT) on the Child Protection Policy. The TOT, organized by the NDF for all FMA Provinces, was held at Don Bosco Convent, Wellington, from June 22–24, 2016. There were 23 participants, and the gathering was marked by excitement and joy as sisters from different provinces met and exchanged news. The pleasant atmosphere of the Wellington hills and the aroma of the tea gardens added to the experience. The program was well-planned, and the resource person, Fr. Joe SJ, made it interesting and participatory with his expertise. The NDF team, led by Sr. Isabella Alphonse, had distributed various responsibilities to different provinces in advance. Each day began with a well-animated morning prayer, followed by the Eucharistic celebration. The seminar inaugurated at 9:00 a.m. with the Provincial of the Chennai province, Sr. Magnificat Soosai, delivering a keynote address that provided a brief history of the policy’s inception and development. She urged participants to use the TOT to equip themselves to uphold children’s rights in their institutions. Following initial introductions, Fr. Joe provided an overview of the training and presented the pre-prepared modules for parents, teachers, and children. The group identified the need for a fourth module for sisters, which was assigned to a few experienced individuals who had helped develop the other modules. Participants were then divided into groups to review and suggest creative modifications for the modules. On the second day, each group presented their modified modules and received feedback. On the last day, Fr. Joe gave a brief explanation of the steps for criminal cases in a Trial Court. Two groups acted out common child abuse issues in institutions, applying the steps and lessons learned. The ensuing question-and-answer session clarified doubts and made the policy clearer. Sharing experiences in policy implementation was very enriching and led to the creation of a ready-list of practical guidelines for Child Protection Officers (CPOs) and organizations. The participants now had ready modules and presentation resources to take back as trainers. The seminar concluded with a thanksgiving program and a short evaluation, during which every participant expressed gratitude and satisfaction, affirming the training’s benefit. It was clear that all benefited and felt the desire to implement the training in their settings to raise awareness of danger and protect children from abuse and violence. (Report by Sr. Rita Lobo)