On April 26, 2025, the community of Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong, had the privilege of attending an enlightening session on Child Safeguarding Policy and Essential Protocols, organized under the banner of the Don Bosco Youth at Risk (YaR) Forum. The session was conducted by Rev. Fr. Joseph Prabu, SDB (INM), Secretary of the Don Bosco National Forum for the Young at Risk (DB YaR) and Director of Don Bosco YaR initiatives.
Fr. Joseph Prabu provided a comprehensive overview of the Child Safeguarding Policy and the essential protocols necessary to ensure a safe environment for children and young people. He detailed the challenges faced by today’s youth, particularly those most vulnerable to neglect, exploitation, and abuse. Through impactful statistics, he illustrated the alarming magnitude of violence against children across various sectors.
The session emphasized the need for every individual, especially those in positions of responsibility, to be vigilant and informed. Fr. Prabu stressed that safeguarding is not merely about responding to incidents, but about cultivating a preventive culture where every child feels safe, valued, and heard. He highlighted practical steps and protocols that institutions like ours must implement to promote a zero-tolerance approach towards abuse and negligence.
The session served as a wake-up call for the college community, encouraging greater vigilance, sensitivity, and proactive measures in safeguarding the rights and dignity of every child. Fr. Prabu’s insights and practical guidance inspired participants to be agents of protection and positive change, both within the college and in the wider society.
We are deeply grateful for this initiative, which strengthens our commitment to building a culture of care, safety, and respect for all young people.
