Caritas Freetown Strengthens Safeguarding Measures for Vulnerable Groups
Valentine Benjamin Conteh Caritas Freetown hosted a safeguarding policy training at its Savage Street Field Office, uniting board members, project staff, and volunteers to enhance awareness and reinforce accountability in safeguarding against harm.
Caritas Freetown is a faith-based humanitarian organization under the Catholic Archdiocese of Freetown, dedicated to supporting vulnerable groups through relief aid, health services, peacebuilding, and community development, with a strong focus on dignity, justice, and compassion.
Addressing participants, Mrs. Grace Jones, Safeguarding Focal Person, stressed that safeguarding extends beyond written policies. “It is a way of life that requires compassion, vigilance, and responsibility,” she said. She pointed out that women and children are often the most at risk, facing harm and exploitation that can silence them, and emphasized the organization’s duty to protect their dignity.
Mrs. Jones also reminded attendees that safeguarding is a collective responsibility involving Caritas staff, partners, project participants, and affiliates. Abuse in any form including exploitation, harassment, or neglect, she said has no place in the organization or wider society.
The session featured group work, discussions, and presentations, with participants reaffirming that protection, dignity, and accountability must remain central in humanitarian work.