Lekhan Kala
LekhanKala.org Code of Ethics
Effective Date: July 2026
Review Date: Every two years.
Approved by: Board of Directors, LekhanKala.org
1. Purpose
The Code of Ethics lights the way for everyone representing LekhanKala.org, from board members and staff to volunteers, educators, partners, and beyond, outlining the values and standards we all share.
As an independent nonprofit championing creativity, education, storytelling, journalism, media skills, and youth empowerment, LekhanKala.org pledges to act with honesty, openness, responsibility, respect, and professionalism in all we do.
This Code builds trust with children, youth, educators, parents, partners, donors, and every community we serve.
2. Scope
This Code applies to:
* Board Members
* Employees
* Volunteers
* Interns
* Contributors and Authors
* Editors
* Trainers and Facilitators
* Community Ambassadors
* Consultants
* Partner representatives acting on behalf of LekhanKala.org
Everyone representing LekhanKala.org is expected to understand and follow this Code.
3. Our Mission
LekhanKala.org inspires and empowers children, youth, educators, and parents to grow through creativity, education, storytelling, journalism, media literacy, digital citizenship, and a lifelong love of learning.
4. Our Core Values
Our journey is guided by these core values:
Integrity
We act honestly, ethically, and responsibly in every activity.
Respect
We respect every individual regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, language, disability, religion, nationality, or socioeconomic background.
Creativity
We encourage imagination. We spark imagination, nurture innovation, and celebrate original thinking. Rves equal opportunities to learn, participate, and express themselves.
Accountability
We own our decisions and actions, holding ourselves accountable every step of the way.
Collaboration
We believe that working together in meaningful partnerships multiplies our positive impact on society.
Lifelong Learning
We grow and evolve through ongoing learning, thoughtful reflection, and a spirit of innovation.
5. Professional Conduct
Representatives of LekhanKala.org shall:
* Behave professionally at all times.
* Uphold professionalism in every moment and interaction.
* Maintain high ethical standards.
* Avoid harassment, discrimination, bullying, or intimidation.
* Foster learning spaces that are safe, welcoming, and supportive for all.
* Respect and honor local cultures and celebrate the richness of diversity.
* Honesty and Integrity
Everyone representing LekhanKala.org shall:
* Tell the truth.
* Present information accurately.
* Never knowingly publish false information.
* Avoid plagiarism.
* Properly acknowledge sources.
* Respect copyright and intellectual property.
* Never falsify records or reports.
7. Independence
We make all decisions about content and education independently, free from outside influence.
No person, donor, sponsor, advertiser, or partner may unfairly sway educational or content decisions. Funding will never compromise our integrity.
8. Respect for Human Rights
LekhanKala.org supports the principles of:
* Human dignity
* Equality
* Freedom of expression
* Children’s rights
* Gender equality
* Inclusion
* Peace
* Cultural diversity
Discrimination in any form is unacceptable.
9. Child Protection
Children’s safety is always our highest priority.
Representatives shall:
* Treat every child respectfully.
* Never exploit children.
* Never engage in abusive, harmful, or inappropriate behavior.
* Obtain appropriate consent before publishing identifiable information or images of children.
* Report safeguarding concerns immediately.
10. Responsible Storytelling
We believe every story carries a responsibility to those it represents.
Our storytelling shall:
* Respect dignity.
* Avoid stereotypes.
* Avoid sensationalism.
* Represent communities fairly.
* Amplify underrepresented voices.
* Seek informed consent whenever appropriate. Stories must uplift and empower, never exploit.
11. Ethical Journalism
Where journalism activities are undertaken, contributors shall:
* Verify facts.
* Distinguish facts from opinions.
* Seek fairness and balance.
* Correct mistakes promptly.
* Respect confidentiality where appropriate.
* Avoid conflicts of interest.
12. Media and Information Literacy
LekhanKala.org promotes:
* Critical thinking
* Fact-checking
* Digital responsibility
* Media literacy
* Responsible online behavior
* Ethical use of technology
13. Use of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence can spark creativity and enhance our work, but it must never replace ethical human judgment.
AI-generated content shall:
* Be checked by people.
* Be sure to check that it is correct.
* Never fabricate facts.
* Never misrepresent reality.
* Respect ownership rights and privacy.
14. Diversity and Inclusion
We are dedicated to building an environment where every person feels respected, valued, and truly included. We welcome participation from people of all backgrounds and work actively to break down barriers to inclusion.
15. Financial Integrity
All organizational resources must be managed with care, responsibility, and integrity.
Representatives shall:
* Use funds only for authorized purposes.
* Maintain accurate and complete financial records.
* Provide timely financial reports when required.
* Prevent fraud and corruption.
* Comply with applicable laws and organizational procedures.
* Maintain accurate financial records and never engage in cheating or dishonest behavior.
* Comply with applicable laws.
16. Environmental Responsibility
LekhanKala.org champions sustainability by:
* Reducing waste.
* Promoting digital resources where appropriate.
* Supporting environmentally responsible events.
* Promoting thoughtful and responsible use of materials.
17. Confidentiality
Confidential information obtained through organizational activities shall not be disclosed without proper authorization unless required by law.
18. Conflict of Interest
Representatives shall avoid situations where personal interests could influence organizational decisions.
Any real, possible, or suspected conflict of interest must be reported promptly.
19. Reporting Ethical Concerns
Anyone may report suspected violations of this Code.
Reports will be handled:
* Confidentially
* Fairly
* Promptly
* Without retaliation against good-faith reporting
20. Compliance
Violations of this Code may result in:
* Guidance or training
* Written warning
* Suspension of responsibilities
* Termination of volunteer or employment relationship
* Removal from leadership positions
* Referral to appropriate authorities where required
21. Review
This Code shall be reviewed every two years or earlier if legal, organizational, or operational changes require it.
Ethical Commitment
Everyone representing LekhanKala.org is called to uphold this Code and help create a culture of integrity, creativity, respect, inclusion, transparency, and accountability.
By living these principles, we empower children, youth, educators, parents, and communities and strengthen the trust placed in our work.
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