Child Protection Policy

Purpose

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The purpose of this policy is to establish a framework for the protection and safeguarding of children involved in any activities, programs, or services provided or facilitated by Boresha Maisha Projects. The policy outlines the organization’s commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being, dignity, and rights of every child.

This policy is designed to:

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1. Prevent harm, abuse, or exploitation of children.

2. Provide clear guidelines for staff, volunteers, and partners on child protection responsibilities.

3. Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in child safeguarding.

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Scope

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This policy applies to:

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• All staff, volunteers, and representatives of Boresha Maisha Projects, including contractors, visitors, and partner organizations.

• Any interactions with children, whether direct or indirect, during program activities, online engagement, or the use of multimedia content.

• All aspects of the organization’s operations, including but not limited to educational programs, volunteer activities, photography/videography, reporting systems, and communication channels.

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Definitions

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1. Child: Any individual under the age of 18, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

2. Child Abuse: Any action or lack of action that causes harm, potential harm, or exploitation of a child. This includes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and neglect.

3. Safeguarding: Actions, procedures, and policies aimed at protecting children from harm, abuse, exploitation, or neglect.

4. Exploitation: The use of a child for personal, financial, or organizational gain in a manner that is harmful or unjust.

5. Identifiable Information: Any data, visual content, or descriptions that can reveal a child’s identity or location, including names, addresses, school details, or specific geographic landmarks.

6. Consent: Informed, voluntary agreement provided by a child’s parent, guardian, or legal representative, and, where appropriate, the child themselves.

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Principles

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1. Best Interests of the Child:
   Always prioritize the safety, well-being, and best interests of the child in all actions and decisions.

2. Zero Tolerance for Abuse:
   Take all allegations and concerns of child abuse seriously and respond promptly and effectively to protect children.

3. Empowerment and Participation:
   Recognize children as active participants in their own protection by respecting their voices and perspectives.

4. Accountability and Transparency:

   • Maintain transparency in all child protection practices and regularly review policies to ensure effectiveness.

   • Hold all individuals accountable for adhering to this policy, with clear consequences for breaches.

5. Digital and Media Safeguarding:

   • Prohibit unauthorized sharing or use of child-related content on personal or public platforms.

   • Ensure all online interactions with children are supervised and follow strict guidelines to prevent exploitation or harm.

6. Prevention of Exploitation and Harm:

   • Protect children from being used for financial gain, labor, or any other exploitative practices.

   • Address power imbalances that may leave children vulnerable to harm.

7. Confidentiality:
   Safeguard sensitive information about children and their families, sharing it only on a need-to-know basis to protect the child.

8. Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination:
   Treat all children equally, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, or socioeconomic status, ensuring no child is excluded or marginalized.

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Code of Conduct

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All individuals working with or representing Boresha Maisha Projects are required to adhere to the following standards of behavior to ensure children’s safety and well-being:

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1. Respect and Professionalism:

   • Treat all children with respect, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, or socioeconomic background.

   • Avoid language, gestures, or actions that could be perceived as inappropriate, discriminatory, or harmful.

2. Boundaries and Interactions:

   • Maintain professional boundaries in all interactions with children, avoiding any behavior that could be misinterpreted as inappropriate or exploitative.

   • Refrain from physical punishment, humiliation, or any form of emotional or psychological abuse.

3. Supervision:

   • Never be alone with a child in an isolated or private setting. Ensure another adult is present during interactions.

   • Avoid situations where a child’s privacy could be violated, such as entering bathrooms or changing areas without proper justification and accompaniment.

4. Photography and Media Use:

   • Do not take photos or videos of children without obtaining informed consent from their parent/guardian and the child, where appropriate.

   • Ensure all images and videos exclude identifying information (e.g., name tags, school names, locations).

   • Before sharing or publishing child-related content on personal platforms or unauthorized media channels, please also obtain consent from the school or organisation.

5. Confidentiality:

   • Protect children’s personal information and only share it on a need-to-know basis for safeguarding purposes.

6. Prohibited Actions:

   • Never engage in any form of sexual contact or inappropriate behaviour with a child.

   • Do not provide children with gifts, money, or special treatment that could create favouritism or dependency, except when sanctioned by the program and in line with policy guidelines.

   • Avoid consuming alcohol or using illegal substances in the presence of children.

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Roles and Responsibilities

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1. Directors

   • Ensure the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Child Protection Policy.

   • Respond to and investigate any reports of abuse or policy breaches.

   • Ensure all staff and volunteers are trained and aware of their responsibilities under this policy.

2. Program Managers

   • Act as the in-country safeguarding officers responsible for communicating and enforcing the policy.

   • Ensure volunteers receive training during orientation and acknowledge their commitment in writing.

   • Conduct regular checks to ensure adherence to safeguarding standards.

3. Volunteers

   • Adhere to the policy and Code of Conduct at all times.

   • Report any incidents or concerns immediately to the program manager.

   • Participate in safeguarding training and acknowledge understanding of the policy.

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Reporting and Response

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• Any allegations or suspicions of abuse must be reported to the program manager immediately.

• Boresha Maisha Projects will respond promptly to all reports, ensuring investigations are thorough, confidential, and conducted with sensitivity.

• Disciplinary action, including termination of involvement or reporting to local authorities, will be taken against any individual found in breach of this policy.

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Policy Review

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This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective in safeguarding the children and vulnerable adults we work with. Any updates will be communicated to all staff, volunteers, and partners.