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Leeds, November 2, 2024
Afrikindness held an impactful Safeguarding Training Workshop for Parents at Winners’ Chapel International, Leeds, drawing a remarkable turnout of over 110 parents and 30 children. Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund and held in collaboration with Voluntary Action Leeds and Winners’ Chapel International, this event served as a pivotal lead-in to Leeds Safeguarding Week and National Safeguarding Adults Week, which will be observed from November 18-22, reminding all communities of the essential responsibility of safeguarding, especially in faith settings.
The workshop launched a groundbreaking Safeguarding Training Pack, co-created with representatives from seven faith communities alongside safeguarding experts, including Farzana Jabar, Ann Crossland, and Kaye Wilson from Voluntary Action Leeds. Adapted from Leeds Children’s Safeguarding Board standards, the training pack is uniquely designed to address the specific needs of African and faith communities, offering a culturally tailored approach to child safeguarding.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, inaugurated the workshop with a heartfelt address, her presence and voice steering the room and inspiring participants to reflect on the power of collective action in child protection.
Emphasising the vital role of safeguarding within faith communities, she stated, “As parents, we know that raising a child is one of the greatest responsibilities that we hold but safeguarding them goes beyond the walls of our homes… Faith communities in particular are invaluable in nurturing moral groundings, and when they unite with families and civic institutions, our collective strengths ensure that NO child is left unsupported. We all have a responsibility to safeguard and care for our children. This is not just a goal for us, but we want this to be our legacy—one that will ripple through generations to come.”
Safeguarding in Faith Communities
The workshop, held at Winners’ Chapel International Leeds, was a landmark event for the city. Part of a global church with a presence across six continents, founded by Bishop David Oyedepo, Winners’ Chapel is renowned for its dedication to community service and its strong commitment to safeguarding and family support, led locally by Pastor Adeyinka Olaniyan.
The Resident Pastor of Winners’ Chapel International Leeds, Pastor Adeyinka Olaniyan, also spoke at the event, introducing the church’s dedicated safeguarding leads and emphasising the church’s steadfast commitment to child protection.
“At Winners’ Chapel International, safeguarding is at the core of our mission to serve and protect our families. We are fully committed to this cause and to upholding the highest standards for our community,” he shared, underscoring the church’s leadership in creating a safe, supportive environment for all families.
The lead trainer, Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, brought invaluable expertise to the workshop, having completed the Afrikindness Community Empowerment Programme – Module on Safeguarding. This rigorous process included a foundational safeguarding training course, progression to the “Train-the-Trainer” program, and delivering training sessions in community settings. Additionally, she represented her community in co-creating a culturally tailored safeguarding pack with experts from Voluntary Action Leeds, addressing the unique needs of African and faith communities.
Learn more about her profile https://afrikindness.org/lola-olaniyi-alabi/
Reflecting on the significance of the event, she stated that, “Today’s workshop is a powerful step forward. We have seen the dedication of parents and leaders alike to protect our young people, and it is our goal to support these communities with resources that respect their cultural and faith-based values while meeting safeguarding standards.”
She emphasised that this collaborative effort marks the beginning of a continuous journey towards creating safer, more informed communities where every child feels valued, protected, and empowered.
She emphasised that this collaborative effort marks the beginning of a continuous journey towards creating safer, more informed communities where every child feels valued, protected, and empowered.
Training Highlights and Leaders’ Forum
The workshop featured essential training on safeguarding practices, reporting procedures, and strategies to overcome cultural barriers to child protection. Parents engaged in syndicate sessions, open discussions, and practical exercises led by expert trainers, sharing personal experiences while also gaining insights into safeguarding responsibilities. The Leaders’ Forum brought together community and faith leaders, with the Lord Mayor encouraging faith leaders to take proactive steps in child safeguarding, reinforcing that leadership is key in shaping safe communities.
Faith leaders participate in a syndicate session, brainstorming and discussing key safeguarding challenges, with the Lord Mayor leading the discussion.
Participants’ Testimonials
Attendees praised the workshop as empowering and expressed gratitude for the impactful learning experience, with one participant noting,
A Milestone in Community Empowerment
Faith leaders from other prominent communities in Leeds—including Redeemed Christian Church of God, Apostolic Faith Missions International Ministries UK (Church on Mission), Chosen Church, Dunamis International Gospel Centre, and Meshebah Community Interest Company—attended the workshop, pledging to bring similar training sessions to their congregations with sessions already planned for December and January 2025. The event has also drawn media attention in the UK and Nigeria, highlighting the relevance of the Lord Mayor’s message and the collective commitment to safeguarding.
This cross-community support exemplifies a united approach to child safeguarding and a shared commitment to protecting young people across diverse communities.
As a CPD-accredited organisation, Afrikindness is extending these invaluable safeguarding resources globally, making them accessible to faith communities in Leeds and beyond. For a limited time, churches are invited to nominate leaders for free safeguarding training with Afrikindness, ensuring that this culturally relevant program reaches communities worldwide.
The workshop’s warm, inclusive atmosphere fostered meaningful connections among participants, who shared meals, insights, and a collective dedication to safeguarding.
As the workshop concluded, Afrikindness CEO, Bunmi Owolabi, emphasised, “Our commitment to safeguarding does not end here. This is a call to action for all faith communities, leaders, and parents to carry this work forward, ensuring a future where every child feels safe and valued.”
Safeguarding expert from Voluntary Action Leeds, Farzana Jabar, leading a session on reporting protocols and best practices.
Parents actively engaging in the session, asking questions, sharing experiences and insights during the safeguarding session, contributing to a deeper understanding of community challenges
Leeds Safeguarding Week
As Leeds Safeguarding Week approaches (November 18th – 22nd), Afrikindness invites faith communities, parents and the public to reflect on the importance of safeguarding as a collective effort.
“Together, we can build a Leeds and society where every child feels the warmth of a community that cares deeply for them—a community that nurtures their potential and protects their well-being,” said the Lord Mayor of Leeds in her closing remarks.
Your action
- If you are a PARENT, and need safeguarding training, please contact us at trainings@afrikindness.org
- If you are a FAITH OR AFRICAN community/organisation and require safeguarding training with certification for your community, please contact us at trainings@afrikindness.org
For Sponsorship and Partnership, please reach out to us at info@afrikindness.org
For global training and e-learning opportunities to our culturally relevant safeguarding resources, please contact Afrikindness at info@afrikindness.org
2025 Training is here! Equip your community with vital safeguarding skills.
👉 Fill out the form to secure your spot—spaces are limited
About Afrikindness
Afrikindness is dedicated to promoting kindness, inclusion, and racial harmony within African communities and beyond, through educational resources, workshops, and community-focused programs.
Thank You to Our Partners Afrikindness extends sincere gratitude to Voluntary Action Leeds, Winners’ Chapel International Leeds, and all faith leaders who contributed to this groundbreaking workshop.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for their generous support. Together, we are making Leeds a safer and stronger community for all children.
About The National Lottery Community Fund
We are the largest non-statutory community funder in the UK – community is at the heart of our purpose, vision and name. We support activities that create resilient communities that are more inclusive and environmentally sustainable and that will strengthen society and improve lives across the UK.
We’re proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and to work closely with the government to distribute vital grants and funding from key Government programmes and initiatives.
