At St. Charles Lwanga Parish, we are deeply committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. The safety and dignity of every person, especially the young and at-risk, is of paramount importance. This commitment is rooted in our Christian faith and in our respect for the inviolable dignity of every human person.
Our parish follows the Child Protection Policy of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi, in harmony with the wider guidelines of the Church and the safeguarding protocols observed in Jesuit ministry. We seek to ensure that the parish remains a safe environment for worship, catechesis, formation, service, and community life.
Our Safeguarding Commitment
- Safe environment training – clergy, staff, catechists, and volunteers who work with children or vulnerable persons receive safeguarding formation, including appropriate boundaries, awareness of abuse, and responsible reporting procedures.
- Code of conduct – all who serve in ministry are expected to uphold respectful behavior and zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, neglect, or any conduct that places others at risk.
- Responsible supervision – parish activities involving children and young people are expected to follow clear supervision practices and appropriate safeguarding checks.
- Reporting procedures – concerns or allegations are to be taken seriously, handled with compassion and confidentiality, and referred according to Church and civil procedures where required.
- Awareness and prevention – the parish promotes awareness among children, youth, parents, catechists, and group leaders so that safety, dignity, and accountability are strengthened across parish life.
- Screening and safe recruitment – those serving in roles involving minors or vulnerable persons are expected to undergo appropriate screening and provide references as part of responsible recruitment.
Parish Culture of Safeguarding
Safeguarding is not treated as a separate concern, but as part of the ordinary life and mission of the parish. Through formation, parish planning, leadership responsibility, and pastoral vigilance, we seek to build a culture in which children and vulnerable persons are safe, heard, respected, and protected.
The parish has also strengthened this commitment through formation workshops, local action planning, and practical follow-up measures aimed at making safeguarding everyone’s responsibility. In this way, we continue to grow as a parish community where the care of persons is inseparable from the proclamation of the Gospel.
Reporting a Concern
If you have a safeguarding concern, or if you need guidance regarding the safety of a child or vulnerable person, please report it promptly through the parish office or directly to the Parish Priest / designated safeguarding representative.
Current Safeguarding Contact:
Please update this line in the page editor with the current safeguarding contact name, phone number, and email, or direct readers to the Contact Us page.
We pray and work for a Church in which every child of God is safe, valued, and respected.