AMECEA/CCC: “Caring for Children Not an Option,” Participants at CCC Convening Told
Sr. Josephine Kangogo Keino the Chairperson of the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya, (AOSK)
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
While some people may take it as an option to either care for children or not, participants from various sectors in the society attending the Catholic Care for Children (CCC) convening in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, have been reminded that it is a responsibility for all.
In her welcoming remarks on Tuesday, May 16, to participants including Bishops, Religious and Clergy, lay partners from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), and government representatives, partners from Vatican, and those from educational institutions among others, Sr. Josephine Kangogo Keino the Chairperson of the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya, (AOSK) insisted on care for children for the future of the society.
“Failure to care for children not only damages children themselves but in the long run, society as a whole suffers. Simply put, there would be no future to talk about for both society and the church,” Sr Josephine a member of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart congregation shared while welcoming participants to the three-day conference from 15-19th May.
She further highlighted that there is need for continuous campaigns on child care reforms, child protection and rights in communities, schools, places of worship, homesteads and workplaces.
Speaking on behalf of AOSK members, Sr. Kangogo noted that the convening has been organized at “a time when the universal church and the society at large is rediscovering the importance of safeguarding minors (and) Above all, realising the importance of family and community-based care as opposed to institutional care.”
She urged the over 100 participants attending the convening concerned with safe guarding of minors and care reforms, “not to be discouraged by the challenges they might have encountered in this ministry (but to) draw inspiration from our Lord Jesus Christ.”
“In his (Jesus) society, then, children counted for nothing. On one occasion, we read in the gospel that, the disciples attempted to stop children from reaching out to Jesus,” Sr. Kangogo said referring to how children were hindered from being in closeness with Jesus but Christ did not see children as a nuisance.”
She therefore encouraged the participants saying, “Be proud of the work you have done and are doing. May the successes you have achieved in caring for children become a springboard for a joyful and renewed commitment to promoting the welfare of children with a Catholic touch.”
Sr. Kangogo who also serves as the Provincial Superior of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart encouraged collaboration and networking in caring for children stressing that when partners unite and pull in one direction, “the result will be positive and meaningful in impacting both society and the Church.”
Based on collaborative approach, the AOSK chairperson appreciated the laws already enacted to protect children in the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) region by the governments.
Though he disclosed, “We are also cognizant that sometimes offenders against children’s rights often go scot free because the laws are either non-existent or too weak to convict them.”
In this case she said, “the strengthening of legislation on safeguarding children’s rights cannot be overstressed. There has to be a deliberate policy to ensure that every child is protected from violence and exploitation.”
Referencing an African proverb that says “It takes a village to raise a child,” Sr. Kangogo expounded that collaboration and partnership is necessary for children to grow in a safe and healthy environment.
“May this convening be that African village through which our interaction together would lead to the creation of a safe and healthy environment of children globally,” she underscored
