Lekhan Kala
Child Safeguarding Policy
Effective Date: July 2026
Review Date: Every two years.
Approved by: Board of Directors, LekhanKala.org
1. Purpose
LekhanKala.org is devoted to creating a vibrant, welcoming environment where every child feels empowered to learn, create, and share their voice, and to join in freely and safely, free from abuse, exploitation, neglect, discrimination, or harm.
As an independent nonprofit collaborating with children, youth, educators, parents, volunteers, and communities, we wholeheartedly embrace our responsibility to protect the rights, dignity, privacy, and well-being of every child involved in our activities.
This Child Safeguarding Policy outlines the standards, responsibilities, and actions to protect children from harm and ensure that every child who connects with LekhanKala.org is genuinely protected.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
* Board of Directors
* Executive Director
* Employees
* Volunteers
* Interns
* Consultants
* Trainers and Facilitators
* Editors
* Journalists
* Authors and Contributors
* Community Ambassadors
* Contractors
* Partner Organizations
* Visitors participating in LekhanKala.org activities
This policy applies to:
* Physical events
* Schools
* Workshops
* Training sessions
* Competitions
* Online meetings
* Social media
* Websites
* Publications
* Digital learning platforms
* Mobile communication
* Field visits
* Photography and filming
Every representative of LekhanKala.org must comply with this policy.
3. Guiding Principles
Our safeguarding work is guided by the following principles:
* The best interests of the child come first.
* Every child has equal rights to protection.
* Every child deserves dignity and respect.
* Children’s voices should be heard.
* Prevention is better than response.
* Concerns should always be taken seriously.
* Confidentiality must be respected.
* Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
4. Definition of a Child
For the purposes of this policy, a child is any person under the age of 18 years, consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
5. Our Commitment
LekhanKala.org commits to:
* Protect children from harm.
* Promote children’s rights.
* Create safe learning environments.
* Prevent abuse and exploitation.
* Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns.
* Promote positive relationships with children.
* Respect children’s privacy.
* Ensure safe digital participation.
* Build safeguarding awareness among staff and volunteers.
6. Types of Harm
Safeguarding includes protection from:
Physical Abuse
Intentional physical harm.
Emotional Abuse
Humiliation, threats, intimidation, bullying, or emotional neglect.
Sexual Abuse
Any sexual activity involving a child, including grooming and exploitation.
Neglect
Failure to provide appropriate care or protection.
Exploitation
Using children for personal, financial, political, or organizational gain.
Online Abuse
Cyberbullying, online grooming, exploitation, privacy violations, or harmful digital content.
7. Code of Conduct
Everyone representing LekhanKala.org shall:
* Treat every child with dignity and respect.
* Listen to children respectfully.
* Use appropriate language.
* Encourage positive participation.
* Respect children’s privacy.
* Promote inclusion.
* Maintain professional boundaries.
* Report safeguarding concerns immediately.
8. Unacceptable Behavior
Representatives must never:
* Hit or physically punish children.
* Humiliate or insult children.
* Discriminate against children.
* Bully or intimidate children.
* Engage in sexual or romantic relationships with children.
* Exchange inappropriate messages.
* Share inappropriate content.
* Use children for publicity without consent.
* Photograph children without permission.
* Be alone with a child when unnecessary and avoidable.
* Ignore safeguarding concerns.
* Exploit children in any way.
9. Safe Recruitment
LekhanKala.org aims to recruit individuals who are committed to child protection.
Where appropriate, recruitment may include:
* Interviews
* Reference checks
* Identity verification
* Criminal background checks (where legally available)
* Safeguarding orientation
All representatives shall agree to follow this policy.
10. Training and Awareness
All staff, volunteers, and relevant partners will receive safeguarding information appropriate to their role.
Training may include:
* Recognizing abuse
* Reporting concerns
* Safe communication
* Online safety
* Child rights
* Professional boundaries
* Ethical storytelling
Refresher training will be provided periodically.
11. Safe Communication
Communication with children must always be respectful, transparent, and appropriate.
Representatives should:
* Use official communication channels whenever possible.
* Include parents or guardians when appropriate.
* Avoid private or secretive communication.
* Never send inappropriate messages or content.
* Respect children’s privacy and dignity.
12. Photography, Video, and Media
Children’s images should always be used responsibly.
Before publishing identifiable images or videos:
* Obtain informed consent from a parent or legal guardian where required by law or organizational practice.
* Explain how the images will be used.
* Respect a child’s wishes where appropriate.
* Avoid revealing sensitive personal information.
* Never portray children in degrading, exploitative, or unsafe situations.
Images should preserve children’s dignity.
13. Online Safety
Digital safeguarding is essential.
LekhanKala.org will:
* Promote responsible digital citizenship.
* Use secure online platforms where practical.
* Protect children’s personal information.
* Moderate online interactions.
* Respond to online safety concerns.
* Encourage respectful digital behavior.
Cyberbullying and online abuse are not tolerated.
14. Child Participation
Children have the right to express their views.
We encourage participation through:
* Storytelling
* Writing
* Journalism
* Arts
* Workshops
* Reading activities
* Leadership opportunities
Participation must always be voluntary, respectful, inclusive, and age-appropriate.
15. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
Every safeguarding concern must be taken seriously.
Anyone may report concerns involving:
* Abuse
* Neglect
* Exploitation
* Bullying
* Harassment
* Online abuse
* Unsafe behavior
* Policy violations
Reports should be made to the Executive Director or the designated Child Safeguarding Focal Person as soon as possible.
If a child is in immediate danger, the appropriate authorities should be contacted without delay, in accordance with applicable law.
16. Responding to Concerns
LekhanKala.org will:
* Listen carefully.
* Take concerns seriously.
* Record information accurately.
* Maintain confidentiality.
* Protect the child from further harm.
* Avoid unnecessary questioning.
* Cooperate with relevant authorities where appropriate.
* Provide support within our capacity.
The safety and well-being of the child will always be the primary consideration.
17. Confidentiality
Safeguarding information shall only be shared with those who have a legitimate need to know.
Personal information will be handled respectfully and in accordance with applicable privacy laws and organizational policies.
18. Partnerships
LekhanKala.org expects partner organizations working with children to uphold safeguarding standards comparable to this policy.
When appropriate, safeguarding expectations may be included in partnership agreements.
19. Monitoring and Review
LekhanKala.org will periodically review:
* Safeguarding practices
* Training needs
* Risk assessments
* Incident reporting
* Policy effectiveness
Lessons learned will inform ongoing improvements.
20. Non-Retaliation
Individuals who report safeguarding concerns in good faith will not be subjected to retaliation, discrimination, intimidation, or other adverse treatment.
21. Compliance
Failure to comply with this policy may result in:
* Additional training
* Formal warning
* Suspension
* Termination of employment or volunteer responsibilities
* Removal from organizational activities
* Referral to relevant authorities where appropriate
22. Policy Review
This policy shall be reviewed every two years or earlier if required by changes in law, safeguarding standards, or organizational operations.
Child Safeguarding Commitment
At LekhanKala.org, we believe every child deserves the freedom to grow, learn, create, and thrive in an environment that is not only safe but truly supportive.
Our commitment is to prevent harm, champion children’s rights, and nurture a culture of respect, inclusion, and accountability throughout all our programs, publications, partnerships, and digital spaces.
Everyone at LekhanKala.org shares the responsibility for protecting children and always acting with their best interests at heart.
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