Department of Women and Family of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio benefits from children’s training by UNICEF on Children’s Rights and Responsibilities
The Department of Women and Family in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio which is also responsible for the protection and safeguarding of children and the youth has benefited from training conducted by UNICEF to children on their rights and responsibilities. The children who have been trained will be availed to advocate for children’s rights and responsibilities through radio talk shows.
The diocese during its first diocesan Synod held in 2019, created an office for children and youth protection in order to assist parishes, schools and organizations in understanding and implementing the AMECEA (Association of Members Episcopal Conferences) and Diocesan charter for the protection of children and young people. This is in accordance with the Child Act 2008 under the provisions of Article 52(2) as well as Article 85(1) of the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan, which refers to any human being below the age of 18, as a child.
Veronica Annie Michale, the Coordinator of the Women and Family Department in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio appreciated the United Nations officials in Western Equatoria State and in South Sudan for collaborating with the Catholic Church for the protection and welfare of children in the Diocese and beyond.
She further indicated that the UNICEF child protection office in Yambio has managed to train four representatives of children from the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio for Western Equatoria State who will be participating in different radio talk shows on children matters and advocate for their rights and responsibilities.
“The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio through the Department of Women and Family is ready and will avail the children to UN Family and Government for participation in any developmental programs on child-related fields,” Annie said.
Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio while addressing the children at the diocesan curia about climate change urged them to stand firm for their rights. He told them that every child must know that he/she represents millions of children in South Sudan and children must consider themselves as very important people for the Church and the Nation and they should report any challenge or abuses to the reliable authorities for protection.
While offering prayers and blessings to the children, Bishop Hiiboro also gave each one of them a fruit tree seedling to go and plant in his/her home as a way of participating in the conservation of the environment for now and for generations to come.
By, Elias Ginana Mangbondo
