【Project Activities】

Conducted overseas observations in the UK, a leader in safeguarding initiatives, and Spain, where safeguarding systems are newly being established following recent legal changes. This was done to develop and implement new workshops that incorporate a greater amount of international knowledge for the promotion of safeguarding within Japan.

【Project Background】

Since 2022, we have been holding safeguarding training for domestic sports organizations. The aim is to further update existing activities and invigorate safeguarding initiatives both in Japan and overseas.

【Project Objective】

To visit sports organizations and activities in the UK and Spain, where advanced safeguarding initiatives for children are underway, and to utilize the knowledge gained to enhance domestic safeguarding promotion activities (such as training and workshops for instructors and sports organizations). The goal is to promote safeguarding in all sports activities both in Japan and abroad and to create a safe and secure sports environment where abuse and inappropriate behavior towards children do not occur.

【Project Area】

Safeguarding

【Methods】

Overseas observation and workshop implementation

【Outcomes】

The safeguarding training conducted through this project provided each participant with an opportunity to acquire fundamental knowledge and practical perspectives for creating a safe and secure environment where children and young people can engage in sports. Simultaneously, it led to the deepening of the organization’s knowledge and a significant step toward future development.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

(Voices from training participants):

– “I was able to learn about safeguarding from the basics and deepen my understanding through case study group work. By sharing ideas with other participants, I also became aware of aspects that I wouldn’t have noticed with just my own experience and knowledge.”

– “In addition to basic knowledge about safeguarding, I learned about its history and evolution, and ‘safeguarding ways of thinking and perspectives’ on cases.”

– “I learned a lot from a wide range of content, from basic safeguarding knowledge to case studies and overseas examples. What should be done to ensure the safety and security of children? What should be understood? I was able to stand at the entrance of this understanding. I feel a desire to deepen my understanding further.”

– “Even for a beginner, it was systematically organized and logically very easy to understand. I was able to hear stories from various standpoints and perspectives that I surely couldn’t have understood through self-study, and I gained a comprehensive understanding.”

– “I felt it’s important for the concept of safeguarding to spread not only among instructors but also among children and parents, and I want to share it with the people around me.”

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

Through this project, we were able to learn from multiple perspectives how safeguarding is institutionalized and implemented down to the field level, and we clarified the roles of central sports federations, organizations, and individuals. The future challenge is how to increase the number of allies who will work on safeguarding in a context that is appropriate for Japanese culture.

【URL】

https://scpjapan.com/blog/archives/3762