At Mwezi, we aim to attain the highest standards in all we do. Our values of respect, transparency, cooperation, fairness, compassion and ingenuity direct all of our work, whether that’s the treatment of our donors, our staff, the schools that we visit or the schoolchildren who benefit from our solar lights.

SAFEGUARDING POLICY.

Introduction

The Mwezi Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children with whom we work, particularly in our partnerships with schools across Kenya. This policy outlines our approach to ensuring a safe, supportive and protective environment for all children, and young people at risk, engaged in our programmes.


Policy Statement

We believe every child has the right to protection from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation. Our staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct and to act in the best interests of those we serve at all times.


Scope

This policy applies to all staff and representatives of the Mwezi Foundation, as well as any partners involved in the delivery of our activities in Kenyan schools.


Definitions

  • Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
  • Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.


Roles and Responsibilities

  • All staff must familiarise themselves with this policy and adhere to its requirements.
  • The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for overseeing safeguarding across the organisation, providing guidance and acting as the main contact for concerns.
  • The Board is responsible for ensuring staff are trained and supported in safeguarding practices.


Prevention

  • Implement safe recruitment procedures, including: o Use of an application form, including a self-disclosure declaration.
    –  Background checks for all staff, i.e. police checks and other checks as available.
    –  References secured for all staff.
    –  Identity verification at interview, with original documents, including right to work.
    –  Face to face interviews, which include safeguarding questions.
  • Provide regular safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers.
  • Promote a culture of openness and accountability, encouraging everyone to report concerns without fear of reprisal.
  • Regular supervision of all staff, with safeguarding included as a standing item.
  • Ensure all activities are risk assessed to minimise potential safeguarding risks.
  • Identification and regular review of safeguarding reporting guidelines, templates and infrastructure at a local, regional and national level in Kenya.


Recognising and Responding to Concerns

All concerns, suspicions, or disclosures of harm must be taken seriously and responded to promptly and appropriately:

  • Listen to the child carefully and reassure them they are being taken seriously.
  • Record the details accurately, using the words of the individual where possible.
  • Report the concern immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and their equivalent in the school, where applicable.
  • The DSL will assess the situation and, where necessary, refer to the District Children’s Officer and other authorities, in line with Kenyan legislation and guidelines.
  • Maintain confidentiality, sharing information only with those who need to know in order to protect the individual.


Working with Kenyan Partners

  • Ensure all partner schools and organisations are aware of and agree to uphold this policy, and that this is aligned with their own.
  • Where necessary, support schools in developing their own safeguarding procedures, in line with Kenyan law and best practice.


Training and Awareness

All staff must complete safeguarding induction and refresher training annually. Training will include recognising signs of abuse, responding to concerns and the reporting systems which apply in Kenya.


Monitoring and Review

  • This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation or organisational practice.
  • Feedback from staff and partners will inform ongoing improvements.


Reporting and Whistleblowing

  • The Mwezi Foundation encourages anyone with a safeguarding concern to report it immediately. Concerns can be raised anonymously if preferred.
  • Our whistleblowing policy protects individuals who raise concerns in good faith from retaliation.


Contact Details

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Antony Kiarie, +254 725 391 001, antony@mwezifoundation.org
Board Safeguarding Lead: Martin Keat, +44 7786 626 989, martin@mwezifoundation.org


Approval

This Safeguarding Policy was approved by the Board of Trustees on 05.02.26
It will be reviewed on 05.02.27

Last Updated: 5 February 2026