Pilot Phase · Policy Document

Child Safeguarding & Volunteer Privacy Policy

This policy sets out the mandatory rules every Tori School volunteer follows to keep our students and volunteers safe, respected, and protected — in sessions, online, and in how we handle personal data.

Mandatory for all volunteersPilot phaseUniversity of Dhaka

Ratified by the Core Coordinator Team · Tori School, University of Dhaka

Section 1

Introduction & core objective

Tori School is a fully voluntary, non-profit social organization run by undergraduates at the University of Dhaka. We are dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment for our students and volunteers alike. This policy establishes mandatory operational protocols to protect the safety, privacy, and well-being of everyone involved.

Section 2

Neutrality, identity & non-commercialization of volunteering

The single identity rule
Tori School welcomes volunteers from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, ideologies, and social groups. However, upon entering Tori School, all participants must function strictly as volunteers. No external political, religious, or group identities may be promoted or exercised during service.
No commercial or personal benefit
This volunteering platform must not be used for any personal, commercial, academic, or professional promotional benefit outside the organization's official scope, regardless of perspective. Serving the children is purely an act of social welfare.

Section 3

Volunteer & campus safety

To ensure a safe, inclusive, and professional workspace for all male and female undergraduate volunteers, the following rules apply:

Respectful relations & strict boundaries
Male and female volunteers must maintain a strictly professional, supportive, and respectful working relationship. Any behavior beyond a formal and respectful peer dynamic is unacceptable within the Tori School ecosystem.
Strict rule of non-isolation
Under no circumstances shall a single volunteer be left alone with a single student in an enclosed or isolated space. During weather contingencies in campus corridors, a minimum of two volunteers must always remain present.
Daytime operation & safe commuting
All regular and pop-up sessions must be conducted and wrapped up during daylight hours. If unexpected operational delays occur, Field Squad leaders must ensure female volunteers are grouped or escorted safely across or from campus.

Zero tolerance for abuse. Tori School operates a zero-tolerance policy regarding the harassment, exploitation, or abuse of female volunteers. Any breach will result in immediate termination from the organization.

Section 4

Affectionate childcare & absolute abuse prevention

Affectionate care. Every child attending Tori School, whether from our stationary or mobile tracks, must be treated with the utmost affection, warmth, patience, and dignity.

Absolute prohibition of child abuse. Regardless of the context, student behavior, or external pressures, no volunteer is permitted to abuse a child in any format (physical, verbal, psychological, or emotional). Corporal punishment or harsh reprimands are strictly prohibited.

Section 5

Student privacy, media & data protection

Media and photography restrictions
No volunteer may take photos or videos of the children using personal devices without prior authorization from the Core Team. Explicit guardian consent must be obtained before a child's face is clearly shown in promotional materials. If consent is unobtainable, identities must be protected using filters or blurring techniques.
Data handling and security
All student records (attendance logs, background profiles) must be stored in a centralized, secure digital drive. Access is restricted solely to the 5-person Core Coordinator Team.
Off-campus communication boundaries
Tori School maintains a flexible approach to community building; however, volunteers must use high discretion if sharing personal contact details with students. Interactions outside official hours must remain strictly mentorship-focused.

Section 6

Reporting structure & incident handling

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). One member of the 5-person core team will be appointed as the DSL to act as the primary contact for safety or privacy concerns.

Reporting workflow

Volunteer witnesses concern→Reports to DSL→Escalated to Chief Coordinator→Final intervention

If a volunteer witnesses grooming behavior, physical/verbal abuse, or a breach of privacy during a session, they must report it immediately to the DSL, who will escalate it directly to the Chief Coordinator for final intervention.

Scope during pilot phase. Because Tori School is in its pilot phase and awaiting formal registration, the program cannot formally intervene in systemic abuse occurring outside school hours (e.g., domestic issues or external street exploitation). Volunteers must not attempt personal interventions in a student's private home or family matters.

Section 7

Mandatory acknowledgment & binding agreement

Binding on all volunteers

Mandatory reading. Upon enrollment and before joining any active Field Squad, every volunteer is required to read this safeguard guideline completely.

Implied and continuous consent. Remaining a part of Tori School explicitly means that the volunteer has accepted, understood, and agreed to fully follow these rules. Non-compliance will result in immediate removal from the organization.

Section 8

Policy authorization & ratification

This policy is formally approved and enacted for the Tori School pilot phase operations. Any amendments to these guidelines must be reviewed and authorized by the Core Coordinator Team.

Questions or concerns about this policy?

Reach the Core Coordinator Team directly — every report is treated seriously and confidentially.

torischooldu@gmail.com