The best interests of the child are our primary consideration in all actions and decisions.
PolicyChild Safeguarding
Children's safety is part of everything we do.
AFRISTEMI works primarily with young people, including children, in rural and underserved communities in Ghana. We are committed to creating safe, nurturing environments and preventing abuse, exploitation and neglect.
01 · Our commitments
Guiding principles
AFRISTEMI has zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, exploitation, or neglect.
We are committed to preventing child harm through proactive measures, including staff training, risk assessments, and safe program design.
Reports of child safeguarding concerns are handled with sensitivity and confidentiality, while prioritizing the child's safety and legal obligations.
We are accountable for implementing this policy and for responding effectively to child safeguarding concerns.
We work in partnership with families, communities, and relevant authorities to protect children.
We treat all children with dignity and respect, valuing their rights and perspectives.
We ensure that our activities do not inadvertently cause harm to children.
We remain mindful of cultural contexts while upholding universal child protection principles.
We are open about our safeguarding policies and procedures and regularly review and improve our practices.
02 · Prevention
Safeguarding measures
AFRISTEMI has implemented safeguarding measures across recruitment, training, programme design, online activity, reporting and monitoring.
Safe recruitment
Thorough background checks, including police and reference checks, are used for individuals and volunteers working with children.
Training & awareness
Board members, volunteers and relevant partners receive training on child protection, reporting procedures, signs of abuse, online safety and appropriate behaviour.
Code of conduct
Individuals associated with AFRISTEMI must follow a code of conduct that prohibits abuse and exploitation and establishes clear boundaries.
Risk assessment
Programmes and activities involving children are assessed to identify and mitigate potential safeguarding risks.
Safe programming
Activities prioritize child safety and well-being through appropriate supervision, safe environments and age-appropriate activities.
Online safety
AFRISTEMI provides guidance and training on online risks including cyberbullying, exploitation and inappropriate content.
Communication & reporting
Clear, accessible and child-friendly channels are established for children, families and staff to raise safeguarding concerns.
Monitoring & evaluation
Safeguarding measures are regularly monitored and evaluated, including reviews of incident reports, audits and feedback.
03 · Responsibility
Roles and responsibilities
The policy assigns responsibilities to the Child Protection Officer, Designated Safeguarding Leads, staff, board members, parents and guardians. The Child Protection Officer named in the policy is responsible for overseeing implementation, receiving and assessing concerns, coordinating investigations and referrals, and providing training and support.
Reporting concerns
Any person who suspects or witnesses child abuse or neglect must report it immediately to the designated Child Protection Officer, Alhassan Haruna, or, in their absence, to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Reports can also be made through online forms, anonymous reporting and suggestion boxes. All reports are treated confidentially and handled with the child's safety and well-being as the priority.
04 · Response
Reporting process
AFRISTEMI's reporting process covers reporting, confidentiality, assessment, investigation, referral, support and secure documentation of safeguarding concerns.
Assessment
The Child Protection Officer or Designated Safeguarding Lead assesses the report, including the immediate safety of the child.
Investigation
Where necessary, an investigation is conducted in a timely and thorough manner by trained individuals.
Referral
Where abuse is confirmed or there is reasonable cause to believe a child is at risk, the matter is referred to appropriate child protection authorities, including law enforcement where necessary.
Support
AFRISTEMI will provide support to the child and family throughout the reporting and investigation process, including access to relevant services.
05 · Commitment
Implementation and review
The policy is disseminated to staff, board members, volunteers, partners and families. Relevant individuals receive safeguarding training on induction and regularly thereafter, and the policy and practices are reviewed as part of continuous improvement.
Want the complete policy?
Read the full AFRISTEMI Child Safeguarding Policy for the complete scope, procedures, responsibilities and commitments.