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Ishyaka Swim ClubSwim Club · RwandaFriends of IshyakaFriends of · USA
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Safeguarding

Every child. Safe in sport.

Children who know their rights, adults who know their responsibilities, and a safe way for anyone to raise a concern.

Report a concern

Something feels wrong? Tell us.

Whether it happened to you, or you saw or heard about it happening to someone else, you can tell us. You'll be met with a listening ear and no judgment. You don't need proof, and you don't need to be certain. Tell us what you saw or were told, in any language, in your own words. Please don't investigate it yourself or confront anyone.

Anyone who has been harmed will be believed, supported, and helped to reach the care they need.

What happens next: Elise will listen, keep a private record, and act. Your report is handled in confidence: it is shared only with the people who need to know to keep someone safe, which can include the authorities.

If your concern is about a coach, a volunteer or anyone else at Ishyaka, come straight to Elise. If it is about Elise herself, or you would rather not come to us, go directly to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (116), an Isange One Stop Centre, or the National Child Development Agency. What matters most is that you speak up, not who you speak to.

Safeguarding Concern Report Form

Ibisubizo bishobora kwandikwa mu rurimi urwo ari rwo rwose. This website does not store your answers. Submit opens your email app so you can send them privately to Elise.

Every child has the right to:

  • be safe, respected and treated with dignity
  • say no to any touch that makes them uncomfortable
  • speak up without getting in trouble
  • tell a trusted adult when something feels wrong

Every adult is responsible for:

  • never using punishment, shame or threats
  • never being alone with a child in a private space
  • only messaging children in a group or with a parent included
  • reporting every concern
Safeguarding training led with local officials

Safeguarding training for everyone

Swimmers learn their rights, including the right to say no and to speak up. Coaches and parents learn their responsibilities. Our training is open to every family, not only Ishyaka's, and has been delivered with the Rwanda National Police, the District Gender & Youth Officer and a child rights lawyer.

Our policy

Our policy follows Rwanda's child protection law and international standards on children's rights, and draws on the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which sets the standard for athlete safety in American sport. It covers everyone at Ishyaka: swimmers, coaches, volunteers, parents and visitors. Every coach and parent reads and signs it.

Request our full policy · Saba politiki yacu yuzuye

Available to parents, partners and donors on request, in English or Kinyarwanda.