1. Introduction

This is Miklah’s safeguarding policy. The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all youth and adolescents engaged in MIKLAH LIFE’s programs. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, mentors, and partner entrepreneurs working within the MIKLAH ecosystem.

1.1 About MIKLAH LIFE

Miklah Life is a social enterprise committed to empowering youth and adolescents through innovative entrepreneurship across health, education, climate change, livelihoods, and leadership.

We recognize our responsibility to protect all individuals we engage with—especially young people—from harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

This Safeguarding Policy outlines our commitment, principles, and procedures to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment in all our programs, platforms, and operations.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Prevent harm, abuse, and exploitation of beneficiaries, staff, and stakeholders
  • Provide clear procedures for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns
  • Promote a culture of safety, dignity, and accountability
  • Ensure compliance with national and international safeguarding standards

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All Miklah Life staff and leadership
  • Volunteers and interns
  • Trainers, mentors, and facilitators
  • Partners and collaborators
  • Participants in Miklah programs (both physical and digital)

It covers all activities including:

  • Trainings and workshops
  • Innovation and incubation programs
  • Online platforms and digital engagement
  • Community outreach and fieldwork

4. Definitions

Safeguarding: Actions taken to protect people from harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

Child/Minor: Any person below 18 years.

Youth: Individuals aged 15–35 (as per Uganda context).

Abuse includes:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional or psychological abuse
  • Sexual abuse or exploitation
  • Neglect
  • Financial exploitation
  • Online/digital abuse

5. Safeguarding Principles

Miklah Life is guided by the following principles:

  • Do No Harm: All actions must prioritize safety and well-being
  • Best Interests of the Child/Youth: Always put beneficiaries first
  • Zero Tolerance for Abuse: No form of abuse or exploitation is acceptable
  • Confidentiality: Information is handled responsibly and securely
  • Accountability: All concerns are taken seriously and acted upon
  • Inclusivity & Respect: No discrimination based on gender, disability, religion, or background

6. Code of Conduct

All representatives of Miklah Life must:

✔️ Always:

  • Treat all individuals with respect and dignity
  • Maintain professional boundaries
  • Obtain informed consent before engaging in activities
  • Use appropriate language and behavior
  • Ensure safe environments (physical and digital)

❌ Never:

  • Engage in sexual relationships with minors
  • Exploit, harass, or abuse any participant
  • Use inappropriate language or behavior
  • Exchange money, favors, or services for sexual or exploitative purposes
  • Share inappropriate content or communicate in unsafe ways online

7. Safeguarding in Key Program Areas

a) Health (Mental & SRHR)

  • Ensure confidentiality in counseling
  • Provide age-appropriate and culturally sensitive information
  • Avoid coercion or judgment

b) Education & Training

  • Create safe learning environments
  • Ensure trainers are vetted and trained on safeguarding

c) Innovation & Entrepreneurship Programs

  • Protect participants from exploitation (financial, intellectual, or otherwise)
  • Ensure fair and transparent processes

d) Digital Platforms

  • Moderate online interactions
  • Prevent cyberbullying, harassment, and exploitation
  • Protect personal data and privacy

8. Recruitment & Training

  • All staff, volunteers, and facilitators must undergo basic safeguarding training
  • Background checks/references should be conducted where necessary
  • Safeguarding responsibilities must be included in contracts and roles

9. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Miklah Life encourages safe and confidential reporting of any concerns.

Reporting channels:

Reports can be made by:

  • Staff
  • Participants
  • Community members
  • Anonymous reporters

10. Response Procedures

Upon receiving a safeguarding concern, Miklah Life will:

  1. Take the report seriously and ensure immediate safety
  2. Document the concern confidentially
  3. Assess the level of risk
  4. Take appropriate action (internal or external referral)
  5. Report to relevant authorities where required by law
  6. Provide some support to affected individuals

11. Confidentiality & Data Protection

  • All safeguarding reports will be handled with strict confidentiality
  • Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis
  • Personal data will be securely stored and protected

12. Partnerships

Miklah Life will:

  • Work only with partners who respect safeguarding principles
  • Require partners to adhere to similar safeguarding standards
  • Terminate partnerships where safeguarding is violated

13. Monitoring & Review

  • This policy will be reviewed annually
  • Feedback from stakeholders will be incorporated
  • Continuous improvement will be ensured

14. Commitment

Miklah Life is committed to creating a safe, empowering, and respectful environment where all youth can thrive, innovate, and lead without fear of harm.