30/04/2026
In the third week of April 2026, staff of The Bakhita Initiative -JDPC Sokoto, alongside field staff from Koko/Besse LGA of Kebbi State, and Wurno and Wamakko LGAs of Sokoto State under the SPHERE Project funded by Caring | Church of Jesus Christ and implemented in partnership with CRS Nigeria participated in safeguarding refresher trainings conducted across different locations and days to ensure full inclusion of all teams.
The sessions were led by Chukwunweike Joy, CRS Safe and Dignified Programming Advisor, who shared practical insights and real field examples to deepen staff understanding of safeguarding and its day-to-day application in humanitarian work.
Safeguarding is not a one-time topic, but a continuous responsibility that guides how we interact, make decisions, and support the communities we serve. The refresher helped reinforce key responsibilities such as:
Identifying and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns
Staying alert to risks affecting vulnerable individuals
Ensuring proper and timely reporting of incidents
Promoting a safe and respectful environment across all project locations
A key part of the session focused on how to appropriately receive a disclosure. Staff were reminded to listen calmly, show empathy, avoid interruption or judgment, refrain from asking leading questions, reassure the individual, ensure immediate safety where necessary, and report through the proper channels.
A powerful reminder from the session was captured in this message:
“Safeguarding starts from our homes.”
This statement emphasized that safeguarding is not only a professional responsibility, but a value that begins in our everyday lives how we treat people, how we speak, and how we respond to others both at home and in the field.
This refresher training reinforces our commitment to ensuring that all our interventions remain safe, respectful, and accountable, where dignity, trust, and protection are at the center of our work.
