Safeguarding tips for visiting vulnerable communities
How can we harness the energy and enthusiasm of visitors but at the same time protect especially vulnerable communities?
It’s always lovely to have visitors, or is it? My mother used to say, “It's nice to see them come and it's nice to see them go”! One of our organization’s values is partnership, committing to work together in unity and community as a family of faith. It’s wonderful that as Christians we are part of a global community of brothers and sisters, followers of Jesus, together part of God’s ongoing mission to transform individuals and communities into all He intends.
When working within a global organization, such as a charity or mission organization, in-person visits are often very important to build relationship and increase trust and awareness. But what safeguarding and cultural considerations do we need to reflect upon when visiting projects and partners, especially those which are in areas with multidimensional poverty? People living in these contexts are often incredible examples of hospitality, generosity and friendliness. At the same time, these communities can be particularly vulnerable, and their safety and well-being can be impacted due to the many basic needs unmet. Sadly, we are all aware of examples when visitors have inadvertently offended or hurt the host or community they are visiting. Sometimes a lack of safeguarding awareness or even a “savior” type mentality can cause harm, either in short-term or long-term ways. For example, when the visitor humiliates a host by refusing to eat their food or a group of teenagers on a mission trip throw candy at children on the street.
So how can we do “visits” well, showing a respect for the dignity and privacy of people and for their cultural norms? How can we harness the energy and enthusiasm of visitors but at the same time protect especially vulnerable communities from the negative impacts of unethical or unhelpful activities? How can we behave in a way that safeguards children within their contexts? Please thoughtfully read these considerations through the lens of the values of humility, excellence, love and partnership.
PRIOR TO THE VISIT
- Ensure you have informed consent from your host and the person(s) you are visiting.
- Examine your motivation and purpose of your visit. Is it to learn and partner more effectively with ministries and build relationships for long term benefits?
- Research and learn additional information about the local culture, economy and history of the community you are visiting.
- Ask whether there are any policies and codes of conduct that need to be understood or signed prior to the visit. This is especially vital when visiting schools or Children Homes.
- Learn the appropriate way to greet adults and children whether it is, for example, a handshake or bow, also taking into consideration your gender and age.
- In many cultures it is appropriate to bring a gift when visiting and in others it could cause embarrassment. Check what would be appropriate and kind.
DURING THE VISIT
- Please remember you are a visitor so concentrate on listening and learning. If you need to share your opinions and ideas do so after the visit after a period of reflection and accountability.
- Keep your group size small so that you are less intrusive to residents of the community.
- If you want to practically serve, ask the host how you can do this – resist giving your opinion! Not everyone wants their wall painted!
- Think of children's long-term safeguarding needs and keep appropriate, culturally considerate boundaries. Avoid touching or picking up children without prior consent from them and/or their parents. Refrain from giving gifts, including sweets, without prior consent from their parents and your host.
- Be friendly and smile! Facial expressions are easily read so avoid any negative expressions.
- Power balance with your body is vital. Avoid towering over people, pointing, and loudly gesturing and be especially mindful with children.
- Resist taking any photographs or videos without informed consent. If permission is given any photo/video taken should represent the people, their local culture and environment in a manner of dignity, kindness and respect.
- If permission is given to post a photo, video or information please consider that the image and information about these vulnerable communities, especially children, will be forever on the internet and part of their digital footprint. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you post:
- Do I have INFORMED consent from the people involved?
- How will the post make the person feel if he or she reads it in the future?
- What could be the consequences of this post? For example, could this post hurt a chance at a scholarship or job or cause community embarrassment?
- Is there anyone who shouldn't see this now or at any point in the future?
- Could a child predator use this in an unsavoury way?
- Does the post betray privacy or trust?
- What is your real motive/goal/need for posting? Is it for your benefit or the benefit of those in the post?
AFTER THE VISIT
- A usual response after visiting areas with multidimensional poverty factors is to want to support by giving. That’s wonderful! But it is vital to discuss your wishes with the project’s leadership as sometimes giving can cause long-term complications and issues. Ensure you follow sponsorship and donor laws as well as cultural considerations.
- In most cultures it would show respect and courtesy if you sent a thank you letter, with photos if appropriate, to the project or partner you visited through your host.
We hope these practical “visiting” tips are helpful as we continue to intentionally safeguard communities and children. As followers of Jesus, we want to glorify the Lord in all we do and partner well with our global brothers and sisters with humility, love and excellence.
TeachBeyond Safeguarding Team
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