Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: 17 May 2026 · Organization: Ukoo Love Foundation

Ukoo Love Foundation is committed to protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults in all our programmes — especially our Girl Child Support (period dignity) and Education work. This Safeguarding Policy sets the standards we expect of staff, volunteers, partners, and visitors.

1. Our commitment

We believe every child and vulnerable person has the right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility — not only designated officers.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff, interns, and board members.
• Volunteers and contractors working on Ukoo Love activities.
• Partner organisations delivering programmes on our behalf.
• Visitors to programme sites and digital spaces where we engage with minors.

3. Definitions

• Child: any person under 18 years of age.
• Vulnerable adult: anyone 18+ who may be unable to protect themselves from harm due to disability, age, or circumstance.
• Abuse: physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, exploitation, or bullying — including online harm.

4. Standards of behaviour

All representatives of Ukoo Love must:

• Never abuse, exploit, or harm children or vulnerable adults.
• Never engage in sexual activity with anyone under 18, regardless of local age of consent.
• Never use language, imagery, or behaviour that is inappropriate, discriminatory, or shaming (including around menstruation).
• Obtain informed consent for photos, stories, or data involving beneficiaries.
• Report concerns promptly — failure to report is a serious breach.
• Complete safeguarding training before field work where required.

5. Programme-specific measures

Girl Child Support

Dignity kit distribution and menstrual health education are delivered with age-appropriate materials, trained facilitators, and private spaces. Boys and male staff participate only in designated awareness sessions — not kit distribution to girls.

Education & livelihood

School partnerships require background checks for regular staff contact with children where local law permits. Livelihood programmes involving minors follow child labour standards and parental consent.

6. Reporting concerns

If you witness or suspect abuse, or if a child tells you something:

1. Ensure immediate safety — call local emergency services if someone is at risk.
2. Do not investigate yourself.
3. Email hello@ukoolove.org within 24 hours with facts only (no leading questions).
4. Preserve evidence only if safe and legal to do so.

For whistleblowing, email hello@ukoolove.org with subject line Whistleblower — see our Whistleblower Policy.

7. Prevention of sexual exploitation & abuse (PSEA)

We prohibit sexual exploitation and abuse by staff and partners. Exchange of aid for sex, relationships with beneficiaries that exploit power imbalances, and trafficking are zero-tolerance violations leading to dismissal and referral to authorities.

8. Partners

Partners must sign safeguarding undertakings, allow monitoring visits, and report incidents within 24 hours. We may suspend funding pending investigation of credible concerns.

9. Review

This policy is reviewed at least annually by our board. Last review: 17 May 2026.