Our Experience in the Safeguarding Capacity-Building Program by Terre des Hommes Moldova

The safety of our beneficiaries and team is a top priority for the Regional Center for Community Development Cahul (CRDC). In this context, we had the honor to participate in an intensive six-month capacity-building program organized by Terre des Hommes Moldova, with the support of the Swiss Cooperation Office in the Republic of Moldova. This valuable experience had a significant impact on our organization, transforming the way we approach safeguarding policy.

What did we achieve through this program?

Development and implementation of safeguarding policies

We successfully built a solid framework of policies and procedures to ensure the safety of our beneficiaries—especially the most vulnerable—as well as our working team. By implementing these policies, we have created a safe and welcoming environment for staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries alike.

Self-assessment tools

During the training sessions, we learned to use self-assessment tools to evaluate and improve our organizational standards for safety assurance. These tools helped us identify existing risks and implement effective measures to mitigate them.

Intensive trainings and personalized mentorship

Our team participated in several dedicated two-day sessions focused exclusively on the development of safeguarding policies. We discussed organizational risks, international standards, and essential measures for ensuring a safe environment.

Tailoring to organizational needs

The program allowed us to adjust our internal policies and introduce new procedures tailored to our specific needs. These adjustments are essential for correct intervention and the prevention of harmful incidents.

Irina Bejan, the administrator of our organization, shared an important learning moment:

“We once faced a situation where a beneficiary’s safety and physical integrity were compromised. The lack of a clear policy left our team feeling unprepared. Adopting the safeguarding policy now provides us with a clear framework to prevent such incidents and to respond appropriately when needed.”

This experience underscored the importance of a proactive and responsible approach to beneficiary safety management.

We sincerely thank Terre des Hommes Moldova and the Swiss Cooperation Office in the Republic of Moldova for their support and for delivering the training sessions with professionalism. This capacity-building program has been a cornerstone in our organizational transformation, equipping us with the tools needed to work with greater responsibility and security.

The program’s impact on our community

Implementing a well-grounded safeguarding policy helps us to:

• Protect vulnerable beneficiaries in our community;
• Ensure a safe and welcoming work environment for all team members;
• Strengthen the trust of our partners and beneficiaries;
• Prevent risks and effectively manage incidents.

The project “Strengthening Safeguarding Capacities” was implemented between January and August 2024 by Terre des Hommes Moldova, with financial support from the Swiss Cooperation Office in the Republic of Moldova.

With this experience, we feel more prepared than ever to continue our work in support of the community, with safety and protection as essential priorities.