We hold an absolute, uncompromised commitment to protecting children from all forms of abuse, harm, neglect, and exploitation. Every child, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, has an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.

We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards child abuse and exploitation. All staff, volunteers, partners, and representatives are held to the highest standards of conduct when interacting with children or handling data concerning children.

Core Principles

• Best Interests of the Child: The welfare of the child is paramount in all decisions, actions, and procedures.

• Proactive Prevention: We design our operations, programs, and digital environments to minimize risks to children actively.

• Equal Protection: All children have an equal right to safety and protection, without discrimination.

• Shared Responsibility: Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone associated with our organisation.

• Clear Accountability: Procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to concerns are transparent and strictly enforced.

Code of Conduct

Do's (Required Conduct)

• Treat every child with dignity, respect, and fairness.

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times, including in digital communications.

• Ensure that activities involving children are conducted in visible, open spaces or monitored digital channels.

• Listen to children, respect their views, and take any disclosures or concerns seriously.

• Promptly report any safeguarding concerns, disclosures, or breaches of this policy using designated channels.

Don'ts (Prohibited Conduct)

• Do not engage in any form of physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse or exploitation.

• Do not spend unobserved or isolated time with a child, physically or online.

• Do not contact children directly through personal social media accounts, personal phone numbers, or private messaging channels.

• Do not publish, share, or store images or personal details of children without written, informed consent from a parent or legal guardian.

• Do not use language, gestures, or actions that are culturally insensitive, sexually suggestive, or derogatory.

Safe Recruitment and Staffing

To ensure our team remains safe for children, our hiring and onboarding processes incorporate strict safeguarding measures:

1. Background Checks: Mandatory background and police checks for all personnel who interact directly with children or handle sensitive child data.

2. References: Verification of past employment history and references specifically assessing suitability to work with children.

3. Mandatory Training: Comprehensive onboarding and regular annual refresher training on child protection protocols for all employees and volunteers.

4. Policy Sign-off: Mandatory written acknowledgment and compliance agreements for this Child Safeguarding Policy.

Reporting Concerns and Disclosures

If a child discloses abuse, or if you suspect a child is at risk of harm or that a breach of this policy has occurred:

1. Ensure Immediate Safety: Priority action.

If a child is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services immediately before initiating internal protocols.

2. Listen and Reassure: Do not investigate.

If receiving a direct disclosure, listen calmly and reassure the child that they were right to speak up. Do not promise absolute confidentiality, and do not ask leading questions.

3. Record Details Accurately: Factual record.

Write down what was said or observed as soon as possible, using the exact words of the child where applicable. Include dates, times, and factual details without adding personal opinions or assumptions.

4. Report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Within 24 hours.

Submit the report directly to our Designated Safeguarding Officer via our confidential safeguarding email or secure reporting portal.

Contact Details for Safeguarding

For inquiries, reporting concerns, or requesting further information regarding our child protection framework:

Primary Internal Contact

Safeguarding Officer / Lead: 

Bukunola Bello-Ezekulie, Founder & Executive Director

Email: thotfulbuk@gmail.com

Phone / WhatsApp: +234 803 493 4894

Availability: Direct contact during operational hours.

Board Safeguarding Lead (Escalation Contact):

Mrs Joy Dafs, Designated Board Trustee

Email: peculiarjoy@yahoo.com

Role: Independent escalation contact if a concern involves the Founder or requires independent board review.

External & Emergency Services

Immediate Danger: If a child is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical or protective intervention, local emergency services or child protection authorities must be contacted directly without delay:

National Emergency Service: 112

National Child Helpline / Social Welfare: NAPTIP / Local Ministry of Social Development]

Local Police Station

Governance and Review

This policy is reviewed annually by our leadership team and board of trustees to align with updated legislation, regulatory standards, and best practices in child protection.

• Last Reviewed: August 2026

• Next Scheduled Review: August 2027