Introduction
The Province Safeguarding Committee (PSC) of Guntur Province continued its commitment during the year 2025–2026 to fostering a culture of care, protection, and respect for the dignity of every person, particularly children and vulnerable adults. Through awareness programmes, policy implementation, formation initiatives, and collaborative efforts with the Congregational Safeguarding Commission (CSC), the Province strengthened its safeguarding structures and promoted safer environments across its ministries and institutions. This report highlights the major activities undertaken, achievements realized, challenges encountered, and future directions envisioned during the reporting period.
Safeguarding Awareness and Promotion
During the year, efforts were made to promote awareness on safeguarding, particularly in educational institutions. While a formal awareness programme on the Province Safeguarding Commission and the Safeguarding Policy was not conducted, several initiatives focusing on the safeguarding of minors were organized in schools and colleges. These programmes were facilitated by Sr. Teena, an intern from the Gregorian University, Rome, in collaboration with the Province Safeguarding Committee and JMJ Social Service Society. The programmes contributed significantly to sensitizing participants on the importance of creating safe and protective environments for children and young people.
Safeguarding Policy Implementation
A significant achievement during the reporting period was the finalization, printing, and dissemination of the Province Safeguarding Policy. The completion of this policy marks an important step toward ensuring a consistent and systematic approach to safeguarding across all institutions and ministries of the Province. The policy serves as a guiding framework for promoting safety, accountability, and the protection of human dignity.
Capacity Building and Professional Formation
The Province continued to invest in building safeguarding competence among its members. Twenty-two sisters successfully completed safeguarding diploma or certification programmes, thereby strengthening the Province’s capacity to implement safeguarding measures effectively and respond appropriately to concerns and allegations. This investment in professional formation reflects the Province’s commitment to developing qualified personnel capable of promoting and sustaining safeguarding practices.
Awareness and Orientation Programmes
A wide range of safeguarding awareness and orientation programmes were conducted throughout the year for staff, students, children, parents, women’s groups, persons with disabilities, and other community stakeholders. Sr. Parisuddham facilitated awareness sessions for the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Guntur. Sr. Jayasheela conducted programmes at JMJ Home for Disabled Children and AMRC School, Trichy. Sr. Fatima Mary organized sessions for staff and students at JMJ English Medium School, Kanchili.
Sr. Saritha carried out extensive awareness programmes for diverse groups, including the staff of JMJ Social Service Society, transgender individuals, members of the Children’s Parliament, children with disabilities and their parents, students of Holy Family School, Sattenapalli, JMJ Women’s College, Tenali, Government Women’s College, Guntur, Abhyudaya Mahila College, St. Joseph’s College of Nursing, as well as women’s groups and community organizations in various villages. Sr. Amul Mary organized a safeguarding session for students of St. Joseph’s Junior College, Nallapadu.
The programmes covered a broad spectrum of topics related to safeguarding and protection. These included safeguarding of minors, prevention of physical and sexual abuse, child labour and child marriage prevention, domestic violence intervention, digital violence against children and adolescents, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, creation of safe environments, the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, the Domestic Violence Act, the Dowry Prohibition Act, the Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act, statutory rights of women and girls, cyber safety, human rights, psychosocial well-being, and self-protection and empowerment strategies.
Safeguarding Structures and Institutional Development
The establishment of safeguarding offices within the institutions of the Province remains an area requiring further attention. Although safeguarding awareness and policy implementation have progressed, safeguarding offices have not yet been formally established in the institutions. This will be an important priority in the coming years to strengthen safeguarding mechanisms and reporting structures at the institutional level.
Case Management and Response
During the reporting period, two safeguarding cases were reported to the Province Safeguarding Committee. Appropriate interventions were initiated, and the cases received the necessary attention and follow-up. The matters are currently in the process of closure in accordance with established safeguarding procedures. The Province remains committed to ensuring that all concerns are addressed with sensitivity, fairness, confidentiality, and due regard for the dignity of all persons involved.
Formation Programmes, Workshops, and Webinars
The Province actively participated in a number of safeguarding formation programmes organized at provincial, congregational, national, and international levels. In January 2025, the Provincial Council, in collaboration with CSC members Sr. Joseph Mary and Sr. Saritha, organized an online input session on safeguarding and the legal framework for Heads of Departments and sisters of the Province. All PSC members also participated in the International Safeguarding Workshop held at JMJ Provincialate, Mangalagiri, in February 2025.
The committee further participated in a webinar on care and safeguarding in March 2025. Later that month, another online input session on safeguarding and legal frameworks was conducted for all units of the Province. In April 2025, PSC members, JMJ sisters, and staff participated in a safeguarding webinar organized by the Congregational Safeguarding Commission. An onsite safeguarding formation programme was also organized for Temporarily Professed Sisters in May 2025 through the collaborative efforts of the Provincial Council and CSC members Sr. Joseph Mary and Dr. Suman.
Throughout the year, PSC members continued to participate in various webinars organized by the Congregational Safeguarding Commission, contributing to their ongoing formation and professional development. In April 2026, all sisters of the Province attended an online orientation programme on the Congregational Safeguarding Policy conducted by the Congregational Coordinator. These programmes enhanced awareness, strengthened safeguarding competencies, and reinforced the commitment of sisters and collaborators to safeguarding principles.
Challenges Encountered
The Province continues to face several challenges in the implementation of safeguarding initiatives. One of the primary challenges is balancing the need to protect and support victims or survivors while also safeguarding the reputation and integrity of institutions. Financial limitations often restrict the ability to conduct extensive training programmes and workshops. Another challenge relates to the appointment and training of Unit Safeguarding Officers, as institutional heads are not eligible to serve in this role according to policy requirements. Additionally, the numerous responsibilities entrusted to sisters sometimes affect the level of time and commitment that can be dedicated specifically to safeguarding ministry.
Future Plans and Priorities
The Province has identified several priorities for the coming year. An oath-taking ceremony for Unit Safeguarding Officers is planned as a significant step toward strengthening safeguarding structures. Orientation sessions on the Safeguarding Policy will be conducted for all units of the Province to ensure greater understanding and implementation of safeguarding standards.
The Province Safeguarding Committee, in collaboration with JMJ Social Service Society, also plans to organize a two-day workshop on the care and protection of minors for sisters and lay collaborators working in institutions and shelter homes. Visits to schools and colleges will be undertaken to review safeguarding policies and ensure compliance with both civil and canon law requirements. Efforts will also be made to mobilize resources for safeguarding activities, educational materials, and training programmes. Furthermore, the Province intends to promote greater awareness through the observance of the World Day Against Child Labour and the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
Conclusion
The year 2025–2026 has been marked by meaningful progress in the safeguarding mission of Guntur Province. The finalization of the safeguarding policy, the professional formation of sisters, the conduct of numerous awareness programmes, and active participation in safeguarding workshops and webinars have significantly strengthened safeguarding culture within the Province. While challenges remain, the Province continues to move forward with determination and commitment. Through ongoing formation, stronger safeguarding structures, and collaborative efforts, Guntur Province seeks to ensure that all its ministries remain places of safety, respect, dignity, and care for every person, especially children and vulnerable individuals entrusted to its service.
Submitted By
Safeguarding Commission
Guntur Province