A Study on the Factors that Influence the Implementation of Child Safeguarding Programmes in Protestants Churches in Lusaka, Zambia

Author(s): Mable Kifwamba and Dr. Adugan Abebe

Abstract:

Across the world children at risk of exploitation and abuse and Zambia is not an exception. There are increasing cases where by children has been abused by the very people who are supped to protect them. This situation has necessitated the need for organizations that works with children to develop and implement child safeguarding interventions that are aimed to protect the child from abuse. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of child safeguarding mechanisms amongst protestant churches in Lusaka. The research was based on a mixed research design and the respondents were selected through the use of probability sampling (simple random sampling) The Sample size for the study was 150 respondents from Protestant churches in Lusaka. Data was collected by the use of a semi structured questionnaire and analysed by the use of the Statistical Package for Social sciences. The results of the study indicate average awareness and knowledge levels on child safeguarding. The results shows that majority of the respondents are not aware of the existence of child safeguarding policies within their organizations. However, it was noted that organizations are implementing a number of child protection interventions such as sensitization and awareness campaigns, training of staff members, child support programs, policy formulation and child protection programs amongst others. These interventions are being effective and have sustainability mechanisms. However, the researcher recommends the scaling up of these interventions for maximum impacts and increased staff capacity building on child safeguarding mechanisms.

Keywords: Child safeguarding, abuse, protestant churches

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