Gender Matters for Green TVET launches training program to prevent harassment, abuse

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Gender Matters for Green TVET (technical and vocational education and training) Project, which is financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation and Jugend Eine Welt, has initiated a comprehensive training program on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse (PSHEA) in five Salesian centers. The project aims to create a safe and inclusive environment that allows youth to thrive without fear of harassment or abuse, according to an article in Top Africa News.

The program is facilitated by Taaka Janepher, who commends the Salesians for approving the policy on prevention of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse. In the article, she said, “As a religious community serving young people, the Salesians recognized the need to address vulnerabilities within their community and took action to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.”

The training brought together participants from Salesian centers in Kamuli, Bombo and Palabek in Uganda and Gatenga and Muhazi in Rwanda to undergo intensive training on rolling out the PSHEA policy at their respective centers.

In the article, Janepher highlighted the increasing awareness of sexual abuse. She noted, “The risk of sexual abuse is continuously increasing. It might have been there in the past, but now people are getting more aware. And the more they get aware, the more they get comfortable to speak about it.” She also emphasized that gender equality is a fundamental right and that it’s important to put mechanisms in place to protect the rights of all individuals.

Innocent Mutala, the program manager for Gender Matters for Green TVET, told Top Africa News, “We are trying to prevent occurrences and create a safe environment for everyone, both girls and boys, and even our staff, so that they feel safe to come and acquire a skill at any of our TVET centers.”

Gender Matters for Green TVET is a four-year program implemented in five Salesian centers including Don Bosco Vocational Training Centers in Palabek and Bombo and St. Joseph Vocational Training Center Kamuli and Don Bosco Technical Secondary Schools in Gatenga and Muhazi.

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Sources:

Salesian Missions

Top Africa News – Salesian TVETs Takes Bold Step Towards Preventing Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse in TVET Centers