The Catholic Diocese of Gweru recently convened a Safe Schools Programme workshop at St Paul’s Mkoba Primary School, bringing together educators and stakeholders to reflect on the safety, dignity and well-being of children and teachers within primary school environments.
The workshop formed part of the Diocese’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding, focusing on creating school spaces where children can learn free from fear, abuse and neglect, while supporting teachers in their pastoral and professional responsibilities.
Addressing Abuse, Vulnerability and Responsibility
Discussions during the workshop centred on emotional, physical and sexual abuse, both within schools and in homes, and examined how these challenges affect children’s learning, behaviour and overall development. Participants explored practical ways of identifying abuse, responding appropriately, and preventing harm before it occurs.
A particularly candid conversation emerged around the responsibility of teachers and the reality that educators can sometimes be implicated in abusive situations. This prompted strong calls for self-awareness, accountability and ethical conduct within the teaching profession.
“We need to create a culture where teachers feel empowered to speak up and report concerns,” one participant noted during the discussions.
The workshop emphasised that safeguarding must apply equally to both girls and boys, noting that abuse against boys is often underreported due to stigma and cultural silence. Participants reflected on stereotypes encountered by pupils at school and at home, sharing strategies for addressing harmful attitudes and ensuring children feel safe to seek help.
Special attention was given to handling abuse cases with sensitivity, urgency and confidentiality, while prioritising the best interests of the child at all times.
Shared Responsibility for Safe Schools
Key recommendations from the workshop highlighted the importance of collaboration among teachers, parents, guidance counsellors and school authorities. Participants agreed that safeguarding cannot rest on individuals alone, but must be embedded in school culture through:
- Positive teacher–student relationships
- Early support for struggling learners
- Clear reporting and referral mechanisms
- Ongoing safeguarding training
One teacher reflected on the experience, saying,
“The workshop was eye-opening. It reminded us that creating safe schools is an ongoing responsibility, not a once-off effort.”
Safeguarding Ambassadors Commissioned
The workshop concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants who completed the training. Those trained are expected to serve as safeguarding ambassadors, promoting child protection principles wherever they are deployed within schools and communities.
The Diocese of Gweru reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the recommendations arising from the workshop and to strengthening safeguarding structures across its schools. Through continued formation, awareness and accountability, the Diocese seeks to ensure that its learning institutions remain places of safety, care and human dignity.