Last updated: July 2026
1. Our Safeguarding Commitment
Organization for Community Change (OCOCHA) Malawi is committed to creating safe, respectful and inclusive environments for children, young people, vulnerable adults and communities participating in our programmes and activities.
OCOCHA Malawi has zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, neglect, harassment and other forms of harm associated with our work.
2. Our Safeguarding Principles
We seek to place the safety, dignity and wellbeing of programme participants at the centre of our work. Our safeguarding approach is guided by respect, inclusion, accountability, confidentiality and the best interests of children.
3. Prevention of Harm
OCOCHA Malawi seeks to identify and reduce safeguarding risks during programme design, implementation, monitoring, community engagement and organisational activities.
Staff, volunteers, representatives and partners are expected to behave responsibly and avoid actions that may expose programme participants to abuse, exploitation or unnecessary risk.
4. Child Safeguarding
Children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect. OCOCHA Malawi seeks to promote child-safe approaches across education, health, livelihoods, advocacy and community activities.
Images, stories and personal information concerning children should be collected and used responsibly, with appropriate consideration for consent, dignity, privacy and the best interests of the child.
5. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
OCOCHA Malawi does not tolerate sexual exploitation, sexual abuse or inappropriate sexual conduct by individuals associated with the organisation.
Programme participation, assistance, employment opportunities or organisational resources must never be exchanged for sexual activity, sexual favours or other exploitative conduct.
6. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
Individuals are encouraged to report safeguarding concerns or suspected misconduct through appropriate OCOCHA Malawi reporting channels.
Safeguarding concerns should be treated seriously, sensitively and as confidentially as reasonably possible. Information should only be shared with individuals who need it for appropriate safeguarding response and action.
7. Responding to Concerns
OCOCHA Malawi seeks to respond to safeguarding concerns promptly and responsibly, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of affected individuals.
Where appropriate, concerns may be referred to relevant statutory, protection, health or law enforcement authorities in accordance with applicable requirements and the nature of the concern.
8. Accountability
Staff, volunteers and representatives of OCOCHA Malawi are expected to uphold safeguarding standards and report concerns relating to suspected abuse, exploitation or misconduct.
Breaches of safeguarding expectations may result in organisational action and, where appropriate, referral to relevant authorities.
9. Working With Partners
OCOCHA Malawi encourages partners, community structures, faith leaders and other stakeholders working with us to promote safe and respectful environments and strengthen safeguarding awareness.
10. Contact Us
If you have a safeguarding concern connected to OCOCHA Malawi's work, please contact the organisation through our official communication channels.
Please avoid submitting detailed or highly sensitive information about a child or survivor through the general website contact form.