#HUFADHISPOTIYETU NOCK’S SAFEGUARDING PROGRAM KICKS OFF
- Sagana, 16th February 2024
- News
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has embarked on a significant safeguarding program, #Hufadhispotiyetu, starting with a three-day training of trainers’ workshop in Sagana, underscoring its commitment to creating a safe and secure sports environment within the country.
This initiative is a pivotal step toward protecting athletes and athlete entourage, and addressing various forms of abuse, including physical abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, harassment, sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination, and exploitation. As the custodian of the Olympic Movement in Kenya, NOC-K recognizes the responsibility to ensure that staff, volunteers, operations, and programs do not cause harm to children or vulnerable adults.
The safeguarding program aims to work collaboratively with National Federations and their stakeholders to foster a safe sporting environment for all participants. The program kicked off with the selection and training of staff and volunteers under the IOC safeguarding course – 5 officers trained so far. The second phase – ongoing now – is cascading this knowledge to National federations where each member is represented by two persons, male and female in the workshop. This initial phase, funded by a grant from Olympic Solidarity, is a crucial step in disseminating knowledge and expertise to National Federations. Trained individuals are expected to become safeguarding officers and trainers within their respective federations, amplifying the
impact of the program across the sporting landscape. NOC-K President Dr. Paul Tergat, during the opening ceremony, emphasized the objective of empowering participants to become partners and champions of a safe sports environment in Kenya. Dr. Tergat stated, “The goal is to ensure that our athletes and other participants in the sporting ecosystem feel totally free and safe to practice what they know best without having to look behind their backs.”
Flanking the president in the opening ceremony, and in a strong statement of commitment of NOC- K in this subject matter were Executive Members, Francis Mutuku, Secretary General, Treasurer,
Anthony Kariuki, Deputy Treasurer, John Ogolla, and Member, Paurvi Rawal.
All these are Strategies for fostering an inclusive and welcoming sports environment, addressing discrimination, and promoting diversity.
The trainers included IOC safeguarding officers in Sport; 2013 3000m steeplechase world champion and Athletics Kenya athlete representative Milcah Chemos, Weightlifting athlete, Tennis Technical Director & Davis Cup coach RoseMary Owino, Basketball athlete & lawyer Sharon Ogaji, and NOC-K
Development Lead Suzan Adhiambo.
Others include experts in various aspects of sport; Humphrey Kayange, NOCK athletes representative and IOC Athletics Commission Member, Elynah Shiveka, Sports Disputes Tribunal Member, Chiromo
Hospital Group, Fred Awuor, National Course Director and Naledi Dlamini, lead Safeguarding at South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee.
As NOC-K progresses with this safeguarding initiative, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a culture of safety, respect, and integrity within the realm of Kenyan sports.