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Leeds, 14th March 2026
Wakefield, UK — Afrikindness has successfully delivered a powerful safeguarding training session in the Soninke language, reinforcing a critical message: language should never be a barrier to protecting children.
The session, hosted in partnership with the Amaheree community, brought together parents and community members in a culturally safe and accessible environment to engage deeply with safeguarding principles. Through a combination of visual storytelling, drama demonstrations, live interpretation, and facilitated group discussions, participants explored practical ways to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns.
This innovative approach ensured that complex safeguarding concepts were not only understood but felt, discussed, and internalised by those in the room.
Building Trust Through Understanding
Afrikindness emphasises that one of the fastest ways to erode trust is failing to communicate in ways communities can truly understand. By delivering the session in Soninke, the organisation addressed a critical gap that often contributes to low engagement and mistrust of services among diverse communities.
The training created a space where parents could ask questions openly, share experiences, and build confidence in safeguarding practices — without language or cultural barriers.
CEO Statement
Bunmi Owolabi, CEO of Afrikindness, said:
“Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, but responsibility must be matched with understanding. When language becomes a barrier, we risk leaving families behind. At Afrikindness, we are committed to meeting communities where they are — culturally, linguistically, and emotionally — so that every parent has the knowledge and confidence to protect their children.
Resilience and vulnerability are not opposites; they are the dual engines of growth. When communities feel safe to engage, ask questions, and learn, that is where true empowerment begins.”
Parent Feedback
Parents who attended the session described it as impactful and transformative:
“This is the first time I truly understood safeguarding in a way that relates to me and my children. Hearing it in my own language made all the difference.”
“We need more sessions like this. It felt safe, relatable, and very practical.”
A Model for Inclusive Safeguarding
The session highlights the importance of inclusive, community-led approaches to safeguarding, particularly in reaching underrepresented groups. By removing language barriers, Afrikindness is helping to build trust, awareness, and stronger community networks that prioritise child safety.
Looking Ahead
Afrikindness continues to expand its safeguarding programmes across the UK, working with diverse communities to ensure that every parent, regardless of background or language, has access to the tools and knowledge needed to keep children safe.
About Afrikindness
Afrikindness is a UK-based organisation dedicated to empowering families, supporting neurodiverse children, and strengthening communities through safeguarding training, education, and advocacy.
Media Contact: ceo@afrikindness.org
