Afrikindness, in collaboration with Winners’ Chapel International Leeds, has launched an innovative Safeguarding Training Pack specifically designed for faith-based communities.
The initiative, unveiled during a transformative workshop, addresses the unique cultural and spiritual needs of African and faith-based communities, providing them with essential tools to protect children and young people effectively.
Developed with input from safeguarding experts at Voluntary Action Leeds and representatives from seven faith communities, the training pack adapts the Leeds Safeguarding Board’s guidelines to reflect the cultural realities of African congregations, promoting safer environments for vulnerable individuals.
The workshop, held at Winners’ Chapel International Leeds and sponsored by the National Lottery Community Fund, drew over 110 parents, 30 children, and leaders from various faith groups, including the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Apostolic Missions International Ministries UK (Church on Mission), Chosen Church, Dunamis International Gospel Centre, and Meshebah Community Interest Company among others.
Bunmi Owolabi, CEO of Afrikindness, highlighted that the lead trainer who developed the pack, Deaconess Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, facilitated the session, providing a secure and engaging platform for parents to explore safeguarding principles within faith settings.
Deaconess Olaniyi-Alabi emphasized the importance of awareness and proactive measures in safeguarding, underscoring the need for cultural sensitivity in addressing these critical issues.
Pastor Adeyinka Olaniyan, resident pastor of Winners’ Chapel International Leeds, reaffirmed the church’s commitment to child safety, stating, “We are devoted to upholding the safety and wellbeing of every child in our congregation and beyond.” He also introduced the church’s designated safeguarding leads, emphasizing their active role in implementing robust safeguarding measures.
The workshop received further recognition with the presence of the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, who delivered a keynote address. She highlighted the critical role of faith communities in nurturing moral grounding and safeguarding children, stating, “When they unite with families and civic institutions like ourselves, our collective strengths ensure that no child is left unsupported. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to safeguard and care for our children. This is not just a goal for us; we want this to be our legacy, one that will ripple through generations to come.”
The Lord Mayor commended Afrikindness and Winners’ Chapel for their efforts and encouraged other faith communities to adopt similar safeguarding practices.
Bunmi Owolabi, CEO of Afrikindness, urged churches to uphold moral standards, stating, “A church should be a safe and holy place dedicated to instilling moral values and positively influencing communities and individuals.”
Key topics discussed during the workshop included child molestation, domestic abuse, forced marriages, and exploitation. Trainers addressed barriers to reporting abuse, such as cultural stigma and lack of awareness, while stressing the importance of vigilance in faith settings.
Parents and leaders shared their experiences, acknowledging that unintentional neglect or ignorance often puts children at risk. Through the training, they learned how to recognize signs of harm, understand reporting mechanisms, and create safer environments for their children—whether at home, school, or within community settings like churches.
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