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| Most Rev. Hubertus Matheus launching AOSK Child Protection Policy |
By Sr. Delvin Mukhwana, Coordinator, AOSK Catholic Care for Children;
Sr. Antoinette Jecinter Okoth, FSSA
The Association of Sisterhoods in Kenya (AOSK) on Saturday July 6, 2019, launched a document on child protection policy with a sub-theme, “Catholics Care for Children in Kenya”.
The event took place during the Association of Sisters in Kenya (AOSK) Superior’s AGM which was held at Chemichemi ya Uzima in Karen, and was graced by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan Archbishop Hurbetus Matheus van Megen, the Chief Executive Officer of National Council for Children Care Services in Kenya Mr. Mohammed Abdi Noor, the Vice Chancellor of Catholic University of Eastern Africa Prof. Steven Mbugua, the Secretary General of AMECEA Very Rev. Fr Anthony Makunde and other Government dignitaries.
Archbishop van Megen who presided the Eucharistic celebration said, “Since time immemorial children’s rights have been denied. Even during the time of Jesus, the disciples chased them away until Jesus himself intervened. Looking at our times, the same scenario of denying children their rights has continued, but now time has come when children’s rights must be respected.” He urged the Sisters to continue being good care givers adding that their good work will only be realized when those whom they care for come back and say ‘Thank you’.”
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| Archbishop Hubertus Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, Rev. Prof Stephen Mbugua-VC Catholic University of Eastern Africa and Rev. Fr. Anthony Makunde-AMECEA Secretary General |
“There are a lot of things that have gone wrong in the Church and justice ought to be done especially to the children, “the Nuncio said adding, “We need to give the children their rights and to promote the same since a child has not completely developed and they are not completely aware of what is happening.”
The Pope’s representative congratulated the AOSK for coming up with the Child Protection policy document and encouraged the various religious congregations to implement what has been documented so that children’s rights and dignity can be promoted.
According to Samuel Kiongera the AOSK-CPP consultant, the child protection policy document provides a framework for all Congregations of women Religious in Kenya since they care for children in different dimensions.
“The child protection policy we have come up with is meant to create a conducive environment that will go a long way in ensuring that the rights of children are protected at all times. This policy therefore provides a legal framework whereby in all the activities done by the religious women, they will ensure conducive environment for the children is upheld.”
The AOSK Secretary General, Sr Pasilisa Namikoye summed up by saying that the nuns’ vision is to be a dynamic association of empowered, prophetic women Religious living the Gospel values. She therefore stressed that women Religious in Kenya care for children and are championing family, community based and institutional care.
Speaking from among the Government dignitaries, Lady Justice Teresa Matheka of Nyeri High Court said that it is important to note that Church and Government have been taking care of children.
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| Archbishop Hebertus unveiling the AOSK Child Protection Policy |
“However, it is unfortunate that Church institutions have taken too long to realize the need of putting in place legal frameworks to safeguarding children’s rights. Therefore, it is a reason for joy today that the AOSK has taken a lead to champion children’s rights by developing their child protection policy.”
On her part when interviewed, the Chairperson of the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA) Sr. Eneles Chimbali, explained that each individual Congregation of women Religious will have to borrow some ideas from the document in relation to the apostolates they have with the children.
She added that she hopes that the AOSK will create a forum to train the Congregations in Kenya on how to use the policy document and that there will be a follow up to evaluate how the Religious Congregations are using it.
Sr. Chimbali also expressed that AOSK has formed a desk at the secretariat, where all child related issues will be addressed. Hence, the congregations should have religious sisters to be responsible for ensuring that the rights and safety of the children are promoted.
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