RODRIGUES ISLAND — On a remote island in the Indian Ocean where conversations about child protection have long remained in the shadows, more than 100 community leaders gathered for an intensive safeguarding workshop led by Dr Emilie Rivet, clinical psychologist, and Father Georgy Kenny, Vicar General of the Diocese of Port-Louis. Supported by Porticus, the 11-hour training aimed to confront the realities of child sexual abuse and equip participants with the tools to prevent it. 

Participants included clergy, religious sisters, school headmasters, officials from Catholic and state educational systems, child protection officers, police officers and laypersons working with minors. 

Organisers said the workshop pursued four objectives: promoting the well-treatment of children; raising awareness about sexual abuse of minors—definitions, consequences, warning signs, prevention and avenues for intervention; introducing basic listening skills and their importance; and presenting diocesan protocols for safeguarding and intervention. 

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. All participants reported gaining significant knowledge on safeguarding and sexual abuse of minors and said they felt more equipped to protect children in professional and personal settings.  

Dr Rivet said the sessions surfaced both need and resolve among attendees: 

“Rodrigues is a small island with a population of approximately 34,000 inhabitants. During the workshop, participants shared that sexual abuse of minors is sadly common on the island—and often not even recognized as abuse. When we explored the different forms of sexual abuse and emphasized that all forms are illegal, many expressed surprise, stating that they were unaware of this legal and moral framework. What stood out profoundly was the openness and receptivity of the participants. They engaged with honesty and courage—sharing personal testimonies, reflecting deeply on how they could better protect the children of Rodrigues, and questioning long-standing practices that may put minors at risk. Their willingness to learn and grow was inspiring. One woman confided to me after the training: “I was abused as an adolescent. Now that I have a teenage daughter, I realize how important it is to talk to her about these issues. Even though it’s difficult, I know it’s one of the best ways to protect her.” This kind of reflection underscored the deep impact of the workshop—not only as a training session but as a transformative space for healing, awareness, and commitment to safeguarding.” – Dr Emile Rivet 

Facilitators devoted significant time to clarifying legal definitions of abuse, the notion of consent, and the long-term effects of trauma. Participants were encouraged to hold a “clear road map in head and heart” and practical points of reference to guide swift, lawful intervention and sustained care. 

Attendees also discussed local family realities that can leave minors exposed to harm, noting the need to confront normalised behaviours and to strengthen collaboration between Church, schools, social services and law enforcement. Many pledged to share learning within parishes, classrooms and community groups. 

The Commission said the workshop marked a concrete step toward a stronger safeguarding culture on the island, with follow-up efforts focused on listening skills, clear reporting lines and consistent application of diocesan protocols.