Every circle is planned around children’s safety, privacy and dignity. Safeguarding, data protection and photo policies are being finalised.

Adults and Venues

No adult is ever alone with a child, including on the way home. Every volunteer must provide a police character report or two community referee letters and sign a code of conduct. Sessions take place in open, visible venues where caregivers can enter.

Reporting Concerns

A concern is reported to the Safeguarding Lead within 24 hours. Serious concerns are reported to the state ministry responsible for child welfare.

Consent and Photographs

A guardian gives written consent for a child’s participation, data and photographs. Section 31 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 requires guardian consent for anyone under 18. Children whose guardians opt out of photographs still join the circle.

Photographs are used only with written consent. A child’s face and name are never shown together without permission.

Children’s Information

The programme collects only a child’s name, age, area, guardian’s phone number, learning level and attendance. Records are planned for encrypted storage with a named access list and a deletion date. The exact retention period is still being set.