Spotlight on Global Safeguarding

Fr Konrad Noronha SJ

We'd like to introduce you to Fr Konrad Noronha SJ, Founder and Director of the Center for Safeguarding and Human Formation. His ministry is influenced by the Jesuit tradition of spiritual depth, human sensitivities, intellectual acumen and pastoral involvement. These qualities inform his focus on building the capabilities of clergy and laity to deliver ethical safeguarding practices to children and vulnerable adults.

What is your role and how long have you been doing this?

I am Founder-Director of the Center for Safeguarding and Human Formation, India. This Center is an apostolate of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia. I began my safeguarding work in the South Asian Assistancy of the Society of Jesus in 2013.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of starting the work on safeguarding for the South Asian Assistancy. Since 2013, I have introduced short- and long-term training programs on safeguarding, developed credit courses in the Jesuit theologates and philosophates and have given workshops on the topic, all over India. I am also proud of being part of Global Safeguarding Alliance (GSA) and the Institute of Anthropology (IADC).

What's the best thing about being part of GSA?

Being part of GSA keeps me oriented towards new thinking and new happenings in research and practice, as the members of GSA from all around the word are researchers and practitioners. It makes me feel part of the Church's very direct attempt to work at building awareness, hope and safe environments.

Tell us about a specific accomplishment since being a part of GSA

Since joining the GSA, I have been writing and publishing more in the field of safeguarding. It feels rewarding to share my knowledge for the benefit of making the world safer for children.

Who do you most admire?

I have tremendous admiration for the recently deceased Pope Francis and his openness.

What inspired you to focus on research or practice related to safeguarding children?

Working with marginalised and vulnerable populations has always been an interest. Children are the most marginalised, and vulnerable. After coming in touch with and helping some survivors, I was drawn to working with them. It also led me to do research on the topic. Working with survivors is very difficult, as is working with offenders. It takes a lot of introspection, prayer, and personal spirituality to help them - victims and perpetrators - begin the healing process.

What is the toughest challenge you've had at work?

The toughest challenge I have met is to make people understand that safeguarding of children is an imperative and not just something done in passing. It should be ongoing.

What advice would you give someone just starting their career in safeguarding?

This field is a difficult field to work in, especially as a practitioner. There is the possibility of vicarious traumatisation. Research in this field is growing, and there is a clarion call for creating safe environments for children.