Sr. Dr. Jacinta Ondeng SSND
Project Coordinator
A Comprehensive Initiative by Tangaza University in Collaboration with Hilton Foundation and Missio Aachen
The Safeguarding Initiative Office was created to address the multifaceted abuse experienced by women religious in Africa: from sexual violence and abuse of authority, to tribalism and inadequate mental health support. With co-funding from the Hilton Foundation and Missio Aachen, this program builds a comprehensive framework of protection, formation, and healing.
Empowering consecrated women across Africa with the knowledge, legal support, counseling, and institutional frameworks needed to protect their dignity, safety, and mission — through training, research, and community engagement.
Why Safeguarding Initiative
As a Catholic Institution guided by the Catholic Church’s educational ethos and traditions
Promotion of Safeguarding values in the Church, Religious Communities and Ministries (Special attention to Catholic Sisters) and the wider society.
- Establish a safeguarding desk, hotline and reporting App for reporting cases of abuse among women religious.
- Provide a tailored training program- onsite; and (online) through Learning Management System (LMS) and Mobile Application (both offline and online) for those in formation and professed Course will hopefully be incorporated into the novitiate programs.
- Offer capacity building program (workshops) in safeguarding for women
- Address the different forms of abuses and its impact on religious communities and
- Offer legal education and support on safeguarding matters from both civil and canon law perspectives.
- Provide counseling support and spiritual accompaniment for women religious with safeguarding concerns.
- Support sisters with medical and psychiatric needs associated with
- Establish a consultancy and research framework to generate knowledge and best practices on safeguarding of women religious in Africa.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and partners to promote safeguarding and protection culture in women religious.
- Organize annual regional safeguarding conferences to enhance learning and better practices in safeguarding.
- Promote a spirit of networking and collaboration among different stakeholders e.g. Regional and country Conferences of women religious in Africa, Bishops Conferences in Africa and other programs for safeguarding initiatives in Africa and beyond.
- Dignity of every person
- Zero tolerance of abuse
- Transparency and accountability
- Listening and inclusion
- Care and support
How the Safeguarding Initiative Works
As a Catholic Institution guided by the Catholic Church’s educational ethos and traditions
Safeguarding Office
A central safeguarding office at Tangaza University coordinates all activities, case management, and advisory board operations. A full-time desk counselor handles concerns and allegations.
Course for Novices
Culturally sensitive courses piloted in Kenya through AOSK for 2 years before extending to the ACWECA region, covering types of abuse, consequences, and prevention culture.
Online Course for Professed Sisters
A meta-level multidisciplinary course covering theology, psychology, sociology, spirituality, civil and canon law, accessible via self-paced online and mobile platforms.
Legal Support (Canon & Civil)
Education and access to both canon and civil law resources, with collaboration from qualified legal experts including Sr. Eutropia Chao Mwakamba and Sr. Teresia Muthoni.
Psycho-Spiritual & Social Care
Counseling support from AOSK/Uganda Conference of Catholic Sisters, pastoral counseling at Bethany Centre, and coordinated social needs assistance for vulnerable sisters.
Medical & Psychiatric Support
Clinical partnerships with Mater Misericordiae Hospital, St. Francis Community Hospital (Kasarani), and St. Mary’s Langata Hospital for comprehensive healthcare.
Research & Knowledge Hub
Systematic research on safeguarding practices and challenges for women religious in Africa, generating publications and informing policy for the Church and society.
Our Sponsors - Missio Aachen & Hilton Foundation
Missio Aachen international Catholic Missionary Organization missio is one of the largest aid organizations in Germany and promotes the development of the Catholic Church and the training of its employees. This funding strengthens the pastoral, social and interreligious work, the infrastructure and the training of lay people, priests and religious of the Catholic Church on these continents.
Meet The Team - Advisory Board Members
Meet The Team
Safeguarding Initiative Office News & Updates
Our Partners








Contact Information
Want to get in touch? Sometimes you need a little help. Don’t worry, We’re here for you. We’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can reach us…
Admissions Office
- +254 717 030 788
- sginitiative@tangaza.ac.ke
- P.O. Box 15055 - 00509, Langata South Rd.
Join Tangaza University for a Journey of Knowledge and Excellence!
By enrolling in our diverse range of programs, you will join a community of passionate learners and accomplished faculty who are dedicated to nurturing your intellectual curiosity and preparing you for success in a rapidly evolving world.
Join Tangaza University for a Journey of Knowledge and Excellence!
By enrolling in our diverse range of programs, you will join a community of passionate learners and accomplished faculty who are dedicated to nurturing your intellectual curiosity and preparing you for success in a rapidly evolving world.
- Langata South Road, Karen - Nairobi
- P.O. Box 15055 - 00509
- +254 722 204 724
- +254 733 685 059
- +254 208 067 667
- inquiries@tangaza.ac.ke