A Safeguarding Training reflection in Building a Safe Work Environment

[Bayazid Bostami]

Welcome to another vlog, everyone! I’m Bayazid, and today I’ll be sharing a very impactful experience– 'Staff Training on Safeguarding,' which took place on October 14th, 2024 at UST Dhaka. This training was organized by Bangladesh Rural Economic Development (BRED), and I participated this session as a SALT facilitator. The training was conducted by Mr. Abul Kalam Azad from BRED, with 17 participants joining. It was highly beneficial for all of us.

Overview of Safeguarding: The term "safeguarding" describes the measures done in any situation—but particularly in the context of development work—to keep vulnerable people safe from abuse, exploitation, or neglect. It includes guidelines and protocols to guarantee that everyone on the team, especially those interacting directly with communities, is aware of the limits and actions required to establish a secure environment for everyone.

Training Experience: The training was designed covering various methods, such as group work, question-answer sessions, lectures, and two-way communication, to create an engaging learning environment. We worked together and gained in-depth knowledge about safeguarding, which will have a significant impact on our work.

Key Learnings: One of the key takeaways from the training was understanding why safeguarding is essential and how it influences our work, both in the field and at an institutional level. Often, while working in the field, we overlook safeguarding because we don’t fully grasp its importance, but now, with this knowledge, it’s much clearer to us.

Personal Reflection: This training has had a significant impact on my work. I now feel more confident that we can implement safeguarding protocols correctly in our work. The knowledge gained from this training will help our team work more safely and effectively in the future.

One participant said, ‘This training showed me how important it is to stay alert and act responsibly when it comes to safeguarding. I now feel more confident in my role.’ Hearing others share their thoughts was really motivating for everyone including me.

Thank You and Conclusion: Finally, I want to thank the SALT project and the BRED team for giving us this valuable opportunity. I am truly grateful to them and hope this training will continue to have a positive impact on our work moving forward for anyone working in development or humanitarian settings, I strongly recommend prioritizing safeguarding as a critical element of organization’s operations. It’s not just a protocol—it’s a way to ensure that our work aligns with the values of respect, dignity, and protection for all.