Camfed International Logo

Child Protection Policy

1. Our Vision and Mission

Vision

Camfed’s vision is of a world in which every child is educated, protected and valued and grows up to turn the tide of poverty.

Mission

In a context in which girls have least access to education and are most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, Camfed’s mission is to multiply girls’ access to education in Africa and accelerate the social and economic benefits for all.

2. Basis of our Policy

Camfed bases its work and policies on principles enshrined in the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and subsequently in the resolution A World Fit For Children. These enshrine the principles of putting children first, protecting children, participation of children and poverty eradication.

Our approach to child protection follows standards outlined in Setting the Standard: A Common approach to child protection for international NGOs, developed through extensive consultation with INGOs and which has been endorsed by the UK’s Secretary of State for International Development.  The standards are based on a set of principles derived from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

3. The Policy

All references in this policy to children apply equally to young people and vulnerable adults.

Camfed incorporates child protection into its strategy, structures and working practices.

Our organisational ethos values and respects all children and young people.  We work in consideration of the whole being of the child or young person, including their physical, material and psychological well-being.  Children’s and young people’s welfare comes first in all our work.

Camfed believes that communities can protect children from abusive situations and Camfed will build their confidence to deal with these situations.

Camfed recognises that girls are especially vulnerable to abuse and that they require special protection. Camfed believes that its aim of empowering girls is the foundation for enabling them to be less vulnerable to abuse of any kind.  A key element of our programme policy is that girls develop the confidence to reduce their exposure to abusive situations.

We recognise that abuse can take many forms including physical, emotional, sexual or through neglect.  Our procedures and processes take account of the different forms which abuse can take.

All Camfed employees and programme activists have a duty to act if children are not being protected.

Camfed will work actively with all stakeholders to spread best practice in the protection of children, especially girls.

4. Review

This policy is reviewed on a six-monthly basis by senior staff, partner organisations, and ratified by the Board annually.