CHILD PROTECTION
The school is committed in protecting the rights of the child by ensuring all students in our care are living in a safe and healthily environment by making sure we protect the child and young person from any kind of abuse, neglect or any violation of a child’s human rights. In implementing this policy, the school recognises the child protection regulations as stated in the laws of Tanzania and specifically the Law of the Child Act of 2009 and in all international laws applicable in Tanzania.
We at SMSS believe that the school at any level, plays an important role in nurturing and protecting children in any society for their well upbringing, because children spend most of their time at school. Teachers are in a good position to observe and interact with children over a long time, therefore to us, teachers and other staff placed in a role of caring children, have professional and ethical obligation to protect a child and identify children who are in need of help and protection, and to take required steps to ensure that children are safe and protected.
All staff employed at the school must report suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect whenever the staff member has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered, or is at significant risk of suffering abuse or neglect. Reporting and follow up of all suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect will proceed in accordance with administrative regulations respective to this policy. Furthermore, cases of suspected child abuse or neglect by a parent, guardian or any other person may be reported to the appropriate employer and authority as we seek to be a safe haven for students who may be experiencing abuse or neglect in any aspect of their lives. As such, the school will communicate this policy annually to parents and students, and will provide training for all staff and will make every effort to implement hiring practices to ensure the safety of children, and will review the policy annually for compliance and effectiveness. In the case of a staff member reported as an alleged offender, the school will conduct a full investigation following a carefully designed course of due process, keeping the safety of the child at the highest priority.