From this August 25, 2025, at the spiritual center “Foyer de Charité” in Remera-Ruhondo, H.E. Bishop Edouard SINAYOBYE, Bishop of the Diocese of Cyangugu and President of the Foyer Ste Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus, inaugurated the first phase of the training for 30 trainers on Child Safeguarding and protection.

This training was organized by the service established by the partnership agreement between the Catholic Dioceses of Rwanda (CEPR) and the Conference of Major Religious Superiors of Rwanda (COSUMAR): “FOYER SAINTE THERESA DE L’ENFANT JESUS,” with the technical support of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors “TUTELA MINORUM (PCPM).” It is part of the Safeguarding Program that the Catholic Church has entrusted to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and henceforth called “MEMORARE INITIATIVE” for Rwanda. It is facilitated by Brother Dr. Albert NZABONALIBA, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Rwanda (CUR) and National Advisor to MEMORARE, supported by lay people, clergy, and religious experienced in Psychology, Canon Law, Civil Law, Education, and other areas of Child Protection.

The Training of Trainers (ToT) team is composed of 30 people selected in the “One Church” approach (team composed of lay people, religious and clergy chosen by the Dioceses and COSUMAR) from all over the country and from various professional and pastoral fields. It will work on 15 modules of 110 hours and in 2 phases. The first phase is currently being held at the Foyer de Charité Remera – Ruhondo (Ruhengeri) from August 24 to 30, 2025; the 2nd phase will be held at the Holy Spirit Centre of the Oblate of the Holy Spirit Sisters of MBARE (KABGAYI) from November 23 to 29, 2025. These 2 phases will be completed by some short ONLINE sessions (E-learning) on dates to be set at the end of the first phase.

The trainees in training will be certified and recognized by the Church to conduct the training of Protection and Reporting Committees, as well as Awareness-raising among Church Social services staff in their Dioceses, in their religious congregations wherever they are located in the country. Given the content of the planned Modules, these trainees will also be able to serve as facilitators in the Department of Ongoing Formation and Psychological and/or Spiritual Support within the Foyer Ste Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus.

Rev. Thaddée NSENGUMUREMYI

Director of « Foyer Ste Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus »