We are delighted to share the resounding success of our recent safeguarding training event held in the scenic Seychelles. This landmark initiative, aimed at enhancing the protective measures for children and vulnerable individuals within the archipelago, brought together a diverse group of participants from various sectors with child protection responsibilities.
Here’s a closer look at this memorable event:
Between March 4th and 8th, 2024, professionals from education, healthcare, social services, and law enforcement convened at the Independent School on Mahé Island for an intensive two-day safeguarding training. The event was organized by the British High Commission in collaboration with key safeguarding agency, National Council for Children, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering a safer environment for all Seychellois children. The intensive learning week comprised of two two-day training for front line professionals and culminated with a Safer Recruitment workshop for human resources professionals representing those operating within the wider governmental space along with the thriving private sector.
This five-day event was filled with wonderfully engaging discussions and workshops. The training featured a series of interactive sessions led by our beloved training and development manager, Sarah Brown and supported by partnership manager Rushelle Reid.
Some of the themes explored during the sessions included:
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An overview of local and relevant child protection legislation
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Child abuse and neglect including indicators
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Technology assisted child sexual abuse in context
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Grooming and offender methodologies
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The physical and psychological impacts of abuse, the importance of appropriate intervention.
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Tailoring the professional response to ensuring no further harm
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Language, terminology and bias
Participants engaged in scenario-based exercises, group discussions, and role-playing activities designed to reinforce practical skills and collaborative approaches to safeguarding.
The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the event’s relevance and the quality of the training provided. Here are a few testimonials: • “This training has been eye-opening and immensely beneficial. It has equipped me with the tools and confidence to better protect the children I work with.” Teacher
“Two days was not enough. This training has prompted me to have a lot of self- reflection on my practice. I will ensure that when I am not able to connect with a child, I find the right professional to them to engage with and not look at it as a personal failure. “ Social worker
“The sessions were very thorough and comprehensive with a lot of useful strategies. I will look beyond abuse and upgrade my practice. I want there to be a more joint up approach towards protecting looked after children.”
The collaborative exercises fostered a sense of unity and shared responsibility among all sectors who participated empowering each to act.
The training culminated in the reinforcement of the local working together framework and renewed networking to enhance safeguarding practices across Seychelles.
Key outcomes included:
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A more cohesive multi-sectoral approach to child protection.
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A commitment to share learning and implement relevant changes across the represented sectors to maintain and build upon the knowledge gained.
While Sarah and Rushelle desperately fought to soak up the breathtaking sunsets we were most pleased at the opportunity to engage with these passionate professionals and to share our knowledge with them. The bi-lateral learning was a true privilege for which we are particularly humbled.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, organizers and key stakeholders who contributed to the success of this training event. Your dedication and passion are pivotal in our collective effort to create a safer and more secure environment for the most vulnerable members of society, we look forward to continued development of this relationship.
If you would like to commission the Marie Collins Foundation to carry out similar work for your environment, please get in touch today.