JCAM 2021 23 Annual Review SAFEGUARDING 2021 A YEAR OF MANY FIRSTS: ADVOCATING FOR THE SAFEGUARDING OF THE AFRICAN CHILD Beatrice Mumbi - JCAM, Safeguarding Coordinator The year 2021 has had many firsts with tremendous In many ways, this event was a ‘first’ as the initial plan was to expansion of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and have the traditional in-person conference, which could not Madagascar (JCAM) safeguarding programme. In April happen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2021, the programme ran a successful 3-day virtual The event was held to develop a concrete response to Pope conference with the theme “African Child: Promoting a Francis’s clarion call to: Consistent Culture of Protection, Care and Safeguarding in Church and Society”. The event brought together over 300 » “say ‘never again’ to every form of abuse”. participants consisting not only Jesuits but laypersons, » contribute to the global “task regarding all of us as the church leaders, and representatives from other Religious People of God” to create a safe environment for all, Orders and Congregations from across the continent. especially children, in Church, family and society.