Child & Vulnerable Persons Safeguarding Policy

Stichting Rijakannah has zero tolerance for the abuse, exploitation, neglect, or mistreatment of any child or vulnerable person in connection with our activities. The safety, dignity, and well-being of the people we serve come before any program goal.

This policy applies to all Foundation representatives, including staff, board members, volunteers, contractors, interns, and partners acting on our behalf.

• Treat every child and vulnerable adult with respect, patience, and kindness.
• Never be alone one-on-one with a child in an unobservable setting; work in pairs or in view of a parent or community adult.
• Do not photograph, film, or share images of children without the documented consent of a parent or guardian.
• Do not offer gifts, money, or favors to individuals outside of officially organized distributions.
• Never engage in physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse; harassment; discrimination; or exploitation of any kind.
• Do not share personal contact information with beneficiaries; direct communication through Foundation channels.

Volunteers and staff who will interact directly with children or vulnerable persons are screened proportionately to the role, which may include reference checks and, where lawful and available, background checks.

Any concern or allegation must be reported immediately to the Foundation’s Founder & President or another board member by emailing info@rijakannah.org with the subject line “Safeguarding Concern”. Reports are handled confidentially, without retaliation against the reporter, and referred to appropriate local authorities where required by law.