Safeguarding Policy

At Lishe kwa Ufanisi, the safety, dignity, and well-being of the children we serve are our highest priorities. Because our feeding programme operates directly within public primary schools - Nyabiage, Kobila, and Kodhoch Primary Schools in Homa Bay County - and reaches over 1,000 children daily, we enforce a strict, zero-tolerance policy against any form of child abuse, exploitation, neglect, or harassment.

4.1 Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to everyone representing or working with Lishe kwa Ufanisi, including:

• Staff and programme coordinators.
• On-site kitchen staff (the two cooks employed at each partner school).
• Volunteers, whether local or international.
• Visitors, donors, and representatives from corporate partners.

4.2 On-Site Code of Conduct

• Supervision: Never be alone with a child in an isolated space. All interactions must occur in plain view of other staff, teachers, or community members.
• Physical Boundaries: Maintain professional physical boundaries at all times. Any physical contact must be appropriate, age-respectful, and culturally acceptable.
• Respectful Interaction: Treat all children with dignity, respect, and fairness, regardless of background, gender, or physical ability.
• No Favours or Gift-Giving: Do not distribute personal gifts, money, or individual food items directly to children without the express approval of school administrators and Lishe kwa Ufanisi.

4.3 Media, Photography, and Learner Privacy

• Informed Consent: Photos or videos of learners for our website, social media, or reports are only taken with the prior consent of school headteachers and where applicable, parents.
• Dignity First: Images must always portray learners in a dignified, positive light. Images showing distress or inappropriate attire will not be captured or published.
• Privacy: We do not publish the full names or sensitive personal details of individual learners alongside their photos.

4.4 Recruitment and Vetting

• Kitchen Staff:Kitchen staff undergo character vetting before joining a partner school's kitchen.
• Volunteers: Volunteers are asked to provide identification and where applicable, a Certificate of Good Conduct or equivalent clearance.

4.5 Reporting Procedures

Anyone who witnesses, suspects, or receives an allegation of child abuse or misconduct connected to Lishe kwa Ufanisi should report it immediately to info@lishekwaufanisi.org, or by phone at +254 768 026 742. All reports are handled with the highest level of confidentiality and investigated swiftly, in coordination with school leadership and relevant local authorities in Homa Bay County.