ZAMBIA: Secretariat to Introduce Child Protection Officers to Catholic Social Teaching and Legal Instruments
Mwenya Mukuka
As the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops rolls out its Child Protection policy to all the dioceses, a capacity building workshop for Child Protection officers has been organized.
The workshop will be used to introduce participants to international and local legislation pertaining to child protection as well as case management principles of counselling and communication with children especially those who are under the tutelage of Catholic institutions.
ZCCB National Child Safeguarding Officer Fidelis Hamweemba who has disclosed the development said participants will also be equipped with the Catholic Social Teaching(CST) on child protection.
Mr. Hamweemba further said that the workshop will also accord an opportunity to formulate work plans with the respective dioceses.
In a concept note shared with Catholic Media Services (CMS), Mr. Hamweemba said the main objective of the workshop is to contribute towards increased ability of Child Protection officers to coordinate the implementation of child protection activities in their respective dioceses.
Mr. Hamweemba specified the objectives of the workshop as to formulate a work plan for rolling out activities in the Dioceses, increase the knowledge base, and build the capacity of the Diocesan Child Protection Officers (DCPOs).
He added that other objectives are to provide a platform for DCPOs to share best practices, challenges experienced and generate possible remedies.
The workshop which is expected to be officially opened by ZCCB Secretary General Father Cleophas Lungu will bring together Diocesan Child Protection officers from all dioceses, who will include priests, Religious and laity.
The workshop which will run from 10th – 15th May 2021, will be under the theme; Towards establishing effective and efficient child protection structures in all archdioceses and dioceses.
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