WEZA is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and dignity of every individual who engages with our programmes — with particular focus on the children and young women we serve.
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, consultants, partners, and visitors involved in WEZA's activities — including Sports4Girls, the G.I.R.L.S programme, Hatua Kijani (Green Steps), and all CHEZA Hub operations across Unguja and Pemba.
WEZA works with children and young women in contexts where they may be vulnerable to harm, exploitation, or abuse. This policy sets out how we prevent, identify, and respond to safeguarding concerns to ensure that every girl who participates in our programmes does so in a safe, supportive environment.
WEZA operates a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse, harassment, or exploitation by staff, volunteers, or associated persons.
Appointed by the Executive Director, the DSL is responsible for receiving and managing all safeguarding concerns, maintaining confidential records, coordinating with external authorities where required, and ensuring the organisation's safeguarding practices are kept up to date.
Every individual working with WEZA must complete safeguarding training upon induction and annually thereafter. All staff and volunteers are required to report any concerns immediately to the DSL and adhere to WEZA's Code of Conduct at all times during programmes, travel, and any interaction with participants.
The Board oversees the implementation of this policy, ensures adequate resources are allocated to safeguarding measures, and receives regular reports from the DSL on safeguarding activity and compliance.
Coaches and facilitators at all CHEZA Hubs are trained in recognising signs of abuse and creating inclusive, safe environments. They are responsible for maintaining appropriate boundaries and ensuring that all activities uphold the dignity of participants.
All individuals working directly with children and vulnerable groups will undergo background checks, provide verified references, and sign WEZA's Safeguarding Declaration before commencing any duties.
International volunteers and consultants must provide equivalent police clearance from their home country. No individual will have unsupervised access to children until all vetting procedures are satisfactorily completed.
Photographs and media content involving participants will only be captured and shared with informed consent from the participant and, where applicable, their parent or guardian. No images that could identify a child's location, school, or personal details will be published without explicit approval.
All digital communications between staff and programme participants must take place through WEZA's official channels. Private social media contact between staff and participants under 18 is prohibited.
All staff and volunteers receive safeguarding training as part of their induction, with mandatory refresher training delivered annually. Specialised training is provided for coaches, programme facilitators, and anyone working directly with children with disabilities.
This policy is reviewed annually by the Board of Directors, or sooner should significant changes in legislation, organisational structure, or programme delivery require it. All staff and stakeholders will be notified of any amendments.