ZCBC Safeguarding Commission Trains Deans and Lay Leaders on Universal Guidelines Framework
By Fr. Johnston Mlambo
Harare, Zimbabwe – Following last month’s successful workshop for Vicars General and Pastoral Coordinators, the Safeguarding Commission of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has convened a follow-up training session—this time targeting deans from all eight dioceses of the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe, along with selected lay safeguarding personnel.
The workshop, held in Harare, focused on deepening understanding of the Universal Guidelines Framework for Safeguarding, which outlines best practices for preventing and responding to abuse within the Church.
Sr. Theresa Nyadombo HLMC, ZCBC Safeguarding Coordinator, led the session and provided a comprehensive overview of the purpose and content of the guidelines.
In her presentation, she explained that the training aimed to equip Church leaders at the deanery level with practical knowledge to strengthen safeguarding structures in parishes, institutions, and communities.
Sr. Nyadombo outlined the ten universal safeguarding guidelines, illustrating each with real-life examples of abuse cases reported in Church environments.
Participants engaged in a case study discussion to better understand the complexities surrounding safeguarding interventions and responses.
The ten Universal Guidelines for Safeguarding are:
- Committed Church Leadership and Culture – Embedding safeguarding into Church leadership, governance, and culture.
- Safe Environment – Ensuring physical and digital spaces are secure and equipped with safeguards to prevent harm.
- Partnering with Survivors, Families, and Communities – Prioritising accompaniment of abuse survivors and fostering community-wide safeguarding engagement.
- Complaints and Allegation Management – Establishing accessible and responsive processes for reporting concerns.
- Culturally Responsive Practices – Adapting safeguarding policies to reflect the cultural context of the local Church.
- Clear Policies and Procedures – Providing documented guidance on how to maintain a safe Church environment.
- People Management – Ensuring that Church personnel working with minors and vulnerable adults are vetted, trained, and supervised.
- Ongoing Education and Formation – Promoting continuous learning and capacity building in safeguarding matters.
- Informed and Empowered People – Educating children and vulnerable adults about their rights and involving them in decisions that affect them.
- Continuous Improvement – Committing to regular review and enhancement of safeguarding systems.
Following Sr. Nyadombo’s presentation, Mrs Dorcas Mgugu, a member of the ZCBC Safeguarding Commission, delivered a session on the establishment and support of safeguarding structures within parishes and institutions.
Her presentation raised critical reflection among participants on how to practically implement safeguarding structures. The session included guided discussion questions such as:
- Who should facilitate the setting up of these structures?
- Do we need a selection criteria for who joins these structures—and who defines it?
- How do we ensure these structures are functional? What support mechanisms are necessary to sustain them?
The training is part of a phased national rollout by the ZCBC Safeguarding Commission. The process began with the bishops, followed by Vicars General and Pastoral Coordinators, and now involves deans and lay safeguarding representatives.
This initiative reflects the ZCBC’s commitment to promoting a consistent safeguarding culture throughout the Church in Zimbabwe—ensuring that every child and vulnerable adult is protected, respected, and supported in accordance with Gospel values and global best practices.