Afrikindness, Winners’ Chapel Empower Churches to Protect Children

Uchechukwu Nnaike

Afrikindness, in partnership with Winners’ Chapel International Leeds, has launched a pioneering Safeguarding Training Pack tailored for faith-based communities.

The initiative, unveiled during a transformative workshop, addresses African and faith-based communities’ unique cultural and spiritual needs, equipping them with tools to safeguard children and young people effectively.

Co-created with safeguarding experts from Voluntary Action Leeds and representatives from seven faith communities, the training pack is an adaptation of the Leeds Safeguarding Board’s guidelines. It is designed to reflect the cultural realities of African congregations, fostering safer environments for vulnerable individuals.

The workshop, held at Winners’ Chapel International Leeds and sponsored by the National Lottery Community Fund, attracted 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.

The lead trainer who helped develop the pack, Deaconess Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, facilitated the session. She provided a safe and engaging platform for parents to explore safeguarding principles within faith settings.

According to her, safeguarding requires awareness and proactive measures, emphasising the need for cultural sensitivity in addressing these critical issues.

Highlighting the church’s dedication to child safety, the resident pastor of Winners’ Chapel International Leeds, Pastor Adeyinka Olaniyan, stated, “We are devoted to upholding the safety and wellbeing of every child in our congregation and beyond.” 

The workshop gained further prominence with the presence of the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, who delivered a keynote address.

She noted that safeguarding extends beyond the walls of homes, highlighting the indispensable role of faith communities in nurturing moral grounding.

While commending Afrikindness and Winners’ Chapel for their efforts, she urged other faith communities to adopt similar safeguarding practices.

Earlier in her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Afrikindness, Bunmi Owolabi, urged churches to uphold moral standards.

Key issues discussed during the workshop included child molestation, domestic abuse, forced marriages, and exploitation, among others. Trainers addressed barriers to reporting abuse, such as cultural stigma and lack of awareness, while stressing the importance of vigilance in faith settings.

Afrikindness, a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited organisation, said it is set to offer this vital training free to nominated leaders from faith communities, empowering them to uphold child protection standards.