In a continuous effort to strengthen the protection of minors and vulnerable people in the region, Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean celebrates the completion of the third edition of the Diploma “Safe Environments of the Social Pastoral of the Church". This initiative, convened by SELACC with the academic support of CEBITEPAL, was carried out within the framework of the #YoMeComprometo campaign and had the support of the Memorare and Porticus Project.

Between May and July, 46 participants from 12 countries — Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela — completed the program satisfactorily, which involved regular attendance, delivery of work by module and the preparation of a final integrative work. The diploma provided them with essential theoretical and practical tools for the prevention of abuse and the creation of safe ecclesial environments, with the guidance of a team of experts with extensive experience.

The graduates positively valued the training experience, highlighting how it provided them with the necessary tools to strengthen a culture of care.

A very beautiful experience, especially because they gave me tools to strengthen the culture of care internally and externally.

I feel compelled, with courage and strength to contribute from my humble experience and knowledge to make contributions and advance in the study of this subject.

As a next step, the newly certified have been invited to join the Safeguarding Community of Caritas Latin America and the Caribbean. This is a key regional space to share learning, resources and good practices. It is important to highlight that the diploma does not authorize local intervention, but rather trains pastoral agents to delve into a comprehensive perspective of protection, thus strengthening the animation of the network.

Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean especially thanks all the people and institutions that made this third edition possible, and invites them to continue renewing the commitment to the protection of the most vulnerable people in each national reality.

We continue to walk together in the construction of ecclesial communities where each person, especially girls, boys, adolescents and vulnerable people, feel protected, valued and respected.