Afrikindness, in partnership with Winners’ Chapel International Leeds, has launched a pioneering Safeguarding Training Pack tailored for faith-based communities.

The initiative, unveiled during a transformative workshop, addresses the unique cultural and spiritual needs of African and faith-based communities, equipping them with tools to safeguard children and young people effectively.

Co-created with safeguarding experts from Voluntary Action Leeds and representatives from seven faith communities, the training pack is an adaptation of the Leeds Safeguarding Board’s guidelines. It is uniquely designed to reflect the cultural realities of African congregations, fostering safer environments for vulnerable individuals.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds with pastoral leaders from Winners Chapel International Leeds in UK

The workshop, held at Winners’ Chapel International Leeds and sponsored by the National Lottery Community Fund, attracted over 110 parents, 30 children, and leaders from various faith groups, including the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Apostolic Missions International Ministries UK (Church on Mission), Chosen Church, Dunamis International Gospel Centre, and Meshebah Community Interest Company among others.

A statement signed by Bunmi Owolabi C EO, Afrikindness issued said the lead trainer who helped develop the pack, Deaconess Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, facilitated the session.

She provided a safe and engaging platform for parents to explore safeguarding principles within faith settings.

According to her, safeguarding requires awareness and proactive measures, emphasising the need for cultural sensitivity in addressing these critical issues.

Highlighting the church’s dedication to child safety, the resident pastor of Winners’ Chapel International Leeds, Pastor Adeyinka Olaniyan, stated: “We are devoted to upholding the safety and wellbeing of every child in our congregation and beyond.”

He also introduced the church’s designated safeguarding leads, underscoring their active role in implementing robust safeguarding measures.

The workshop gained further prominence with the presence of the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, who delivered a keynote address.

In her message, she noted that safeguarding extends beyond the walls of homes, highlighting the indispensable role of faith communities in nurturing moral grounding.

“When they unite with families and civic institutions like ourselves, our collective strengths ensure that no child is left unsupported. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to safeguard and care for our children. This is not just a goal for us; we want this to be our legacy, one that will ripple through generations to come,” she remarked.

While commending Afrikindness and Winners’ Chapel for their efforts, she urged other faith communities to adopt similar safeguarding practices.

Earlier in her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Afrikindness, Bunmi Owolabi, urged churches to uphold moral standards. She said, “A church should be a safe and holy place dedicated to instilling moral values and positively influencing communities and individuals.”

Key issues discussed during the workshop included child molestation, domestic abuse, forced marriages, and exploitation, among others. Trainers addressed barriers to reporting abuse, such as cultural stigma and lack of awareness, while stressing the importance of vigilance in faith settings.

Parents and leaders also shared their experiences, acknowledging that unintentional neglect or ignorance often puts children at risk. Through the training, they learned how to recognise signs of harm, understand reporting mechanisms, and establish safer environments for their children—whether at home, school, or within community settings like churches.

Afrikindness, a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited organisation, is set to offer this vital training free to nominated leaders from faith communities, empowering them to uphold child protection standards. It assured that the safeguarding training pack will soon be available to churches in Leeds and globally, ensuring that faith communities worldwide are better equipped to protect children.

Through this initiative, Afrikindness and Winners’ Chapel are setting a standard for safeguarding in faith settings, creating safer spaces for children and inspiring a legacy of care and protection for generations to come.

About Afrikindness

Afrikindness is committed to fostering kindness, inclusion, and racial harmony by providing tailored educational resources, impactful workshops, and community-centred programs. Our mission is to foster positive racial identity development by collaborating closely with parents, schools, and communities. Through our workshops, training sessions, and impactful programs, we empower children to overcome cultural barriers and cultivate a strong, inclusive sense of self. Afrikindness is dedicated to creating supportive spaces where every child can thrive in their identity and potential.