Lekhan Kala
Governance & Transparency Policy
Effective Date: July 2026
Review Date: Every two years.
Approved by: Board of Directors, LekhanKala.org
1. Purpose
LekhanKala.org is an independent nonprofit dedicated to upholding the highest ideals of ethical governance, accountability, transparency, and responsible leadership.
This Governance & Transparency Policy sets forth the guiding principles and practices that shape our governance, decision-making, resource management, and our unwavering accountability to beneficiaries, partners, donors, volunteers, supporters, and the public.
We believe transparency builds trust, responsible governance secures sustainability, and true accountability unlocks meaningful social impact.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
* Board of Directors
* Executive Director
* Staff members
* Volunteers
* Consultants
* Interns
* Community Ambassadors
* Project Teams
* Committees
* Organizational Partners acting on behalf of LekhanKala.org
Everyone representing LekhanKala.org is expected to uphold this policy.
3. Governance Principles
LekhanKala.org is guided by the following governance principles:
* Integrity
* Accountability
* Transparency
* Independence
* Participation
* Equity and Inclusion
* Responsible Stewardship
* Ethical Leadership
* Respect for Human Rights
* Continuous Improvement
These principles guide every decision we make.
4. Governance Structure
LekhanKala.org operates with a clear organizational structure that ensures effective oversight and responsible management at every level.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and oversight by:
* Approving organizational policies.
* Defining long-term strategy.
* Ensuring legal compliance.
* Overseeing financial management.
* Appointing and evaluating the Executive Director.
* Protecting the organization’s mission and values.
* Monitoring organizational performance. Board members champion the best interests of both the organization and those we serve.
Executive Director
The Executive Director is responsible for:
* Implementing the strategic plan.
* Managing daily operations.
* Supervising staff and volunteers.
* Developing partnerships.
* Representing LekhanKala.org.
* Managing organizational resources.
* Reporting to the Board.
Staff and Volunteers
Staff and volunteers are responsible for:
* Delivering programs effectively.
* Following organizational policies.
* Protecting organizational assets.
* Acting ethically.
* Respecting confidentiality.
* Supporting transparency.
5. Organizational Independence
LekhanKala.org operates independently.
Organizational decisions shall never be improperly influenced by:
* Political organizations
* Political parties
* Governments
* Commercial interests
* Donors
* Sponsors
* Religious organizations
* Personal relationships
We will never allow partnerships to compromise our mission or independence.
6. Accountability
We are accountable to:
* Children
* Youth
* Parents
* Educators
* Communities
* Donors
* Partners
* Volunteers
* Government regulators
* The public
True accountability thrives on honesty, openness, responsiveness, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
7. Transparency
Transparency is one of our core organizational values.
Whenever appropriate, LekhanKala.org will make publicly available:
* Mission
* Vision
* Values
* Governance structure
* Board information
* Organizational policies
* Annual reports
* Program information
* Financial summaries
* Partnership information
* Contact information
Transparency builds public confidence.
8. Ethical Decision-Making
Organizational decisions should be:
* Fair
* Evidence-based
* Inclusive
* Transparent
* Consistent
* Free from discrimination
* Aligned with our mission
Whenever possible, significant decisions should include consultation with relevant stakeholders.
9. Financial Transparency
LekhanKala.org is committed to responsible financial stewardship.
We shall:
* Maintain accurate financial records.
* Use funds only for approved purposes.
* Prepare annual financial reports.
* Maintain appropriate internal controls.
* Prevent fraud and corruption.
* Comply with applicable laws.
* Ensure financial accountability.
Financial information shall be available to authorized stakeholders.
10. Responsible Use of Resources
Organizational resources include:
* Financial resources
* Equipment
* Intellectual property
* Digital assets
* Educational materials
* Staff time
* Volunteer contributions
Use resources efficiently, responsibly, and solely for organizational purposes.
11. Risk Management
LekhanKala.org seeks to identify and manage risks that could affect:
* Programs
* Beneficiaries
* Staff
* Volunteers
* Financial sustainability
* Information security
* Organizational reputation
We regularly conduct risk assessments to safeguard our organization and those we serve.
12. Data Protection and Confidentiality
We collect, store, and use personal information responsibly.
Confidential information shall be protected unless disclosure is:
* Required by law
* Authorized by the individual concerned
* Necessary to protect children or vulnerable persons
13. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Governance should reflect diversity and inclusion.
We encourage participation regardless of:
* Gender
* Age
* Disability
* Ethnicity
* Language
* Religion
* Nationality
* Socioeconomic background
We believe our decisions are stronger when shaped by diverse perspectives.
14. Stakeholder Engagement
Genuine engagement deepens our accountability.
LekhanKala.org values dialogue with:
* Students
* Teachers
* Parents
* Volunteers
* Community leaders
* Journalists
* Researchers
* Government agencies
* Civil society organizations
* International partners
Feedback informs continuous improvement.
15. Complaints and Whistleblowing
Anyone may report concerns regarding:
* Misconduct
* Fraud
* Corruption
* Harassment
* Abuse
* Financial misuse
* Ethical violations
* Governance failures
Reports will be:
* Handled confidentially.
* Reviewed fairly.
* Investigated promptly.
* Protected from retaliation.
Individuals making reports in good faith shall not face discrimination or retaliation.
16. Public Communication
LekhanKala.org communicates honestly and responsibly.
Public communications should be:
* Accurate
* Respectful
* Timely
* Transparent
* Consistent with organizational values
Only authorized representatives may issue official organizational statements.
17. Partnerships
We value partnerships built on shared values.
Before entering partnerships, we consider:
* Mission alignment
* Ethical standards
* Child safeguarding
* Human rights
* Transparency
* Mutual benefit
* Long-term sustainability
We will not accept partnerships that compromise our independence or integrity.
18. Monitoring and Evaluation
To improve effectiveness, LekhanKala.org regularly evaluates:
* Programs
* Projects
* Partnerships
* Governance practices
* Financial management
* Organizational performance
Lessons learned will inform future planning.
19. Policy Review
This policy shall be reviewed every two years, or sooner if required by legal, organizational, or operational changes.
Recommendations for revision may come from:
* Board of Directors
* Executive Director
* Staff
* Volunteers
* Partners
* Independent reviewers
Governance Commitment
LekhanKala.org is committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency, and accountability.
We recognize that public trust is earned through ethical leadership, responsible stewardship, openness, and meaningful engagement with the communities we serve.
By adhering to this policy, we strive to strengthen our organization, safeguard our mission, and create a lasting positive impact through creativity, education, storytelling, journalism, media literacy, and lifelong learning.
Other Listed Policies
