Children are vulnerable and must be protected from harm in their daily activities. While most of us recognise the importance of protecting children and express outrage when they are violated, few take concrete actions to prevent it. Unfortunately, children worldwide are victims of abuse and exploitation in places where they should feel safe, such as schools, organisations, churches, and other community spaces. While many cases come to light, countless others remain hidden and unreported.

GCF has been actively involved in the Child Protection sphere for several decades and takes this responsibility seriously. We recognise the necessity for organisations of all sizes to create child-safe environments to mitigate the risks and threats children may face in their specific contexts. Our awareness led to the creation of the Child Safeguarding programme, which has been implemented in South Africa and other African countries. Remarkably, this programme continued to thrive even during the pandemic, showcasing the power of the internet in facilitating critical initiatives.

What is Child Safeguarding?

Child Safeguarding involves protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and mistreatment. It aims to prevent anything that could harm a child’s health and development. Children must participate in group activities within a safe and nurturing environment, with necessary measures taken to ensure the best possible outcomes for them.

While we commonly think of schools, sports activities, or groups like Sunday School or Scouts, safeguarding also extends to transportation to and from these activities and during moments like toilet breaks. Are your children safe in these situations?

GCF’s Child Safeguarding programme assesses and supports organisations in improving their capacity, policies, and processes related to child safety. The assessment examines how organisations interact with children, their risks, and existing mitigation measures according to international child safeguarding standards. Based on these assessments, interventions may vary but typically include training on Child Safeguarding, developing policies, codes of conduct, and integrating safeguarding practices into organisational strategies and programmes. This process takes time, but GCF provides ongoing mentorship and capacity building to help organisations create safer environments for every child they encounter.

For more information, please email us at: info@gcf.org.za