ZAMBIA: ZCCB Launches Catholic Education Manual and Safeguarding Policy
Sandra Kunda
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) Education Department has, on 16th August 2024, launched the Catholic Education Manual and an Education Safeguarding Policy.
The two documents are expected to enhance a safe and favorable learning environment for the children and persons responsible for the wellness of the children in all catholic schools.
Speaking during the launch, Zambia Catholic University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Fr. Fabian Pikiti, said the launch of the two documents is in line with the demands of the universal Church as directed by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, that it is mandatory at every level of the life of the Church, that safeguarding of minors should be part and parcel of the pastoral life of the Church.
He says the Catholic Church, with over 300,000 pupils under its care, endeavours to see that these children who spend most of the time in school, especially those in boarding, are safeguarded.
Fr. Pikiti says the two documents have been formulated with serious consideration of the provisions of the law of Zambia.
He adds that this safeguarding policy embodies standards, measures, and guidelines for preventing all risks to which those children may be exposed.
Fr. Pikiti notes that the two documents will also help children fear God and love one another.
He has since called on school heads to ensure that the staff, support staff and children understand the importance of these documents as they are being implemented.
Fr. Pikiti took this opportunity to congratulate the ZCCB Education Secretary, Fr. Leonard Namuhumba and everyone who worked hard to formulate these two documents.
And Fr. Leonard Namuhumba underscored the importance of the documents, such as the education manual and education safeguarding policy, indicating that they are specifically for catholic schools and not any other.
“The significance of these documents is core to us as they will help us develop our schools,” Fr. Namunumba stated.
He said the education manual houses many aspects, such as discipline, identity, and philosophy, among others.
Fr. Namuhumba also disclosed that the documents launched, just like others, will be reviewed and revised from time to time, further thanking everyone who took part in their formulation.
And Fr. Cornelius Chibamba, the ZCCB Pastoral Coordinator, said the role of the Church is to give quality education to change the learners who, in turn, contribute positively to society and the country at large; therefore, the documents that have been launched are timely.
Fr. Chimbamba assured the Department of Education of the Bishops’ support on this journey.
ENDS…
