Safeguarding Across AHEEN’s Pillars of Work

Safeguarding functions as an enabling condition across all six pillars of AHEEN’s work, aligned to the RDP Pathways Program:

AHEEN Pillar	Safeguarding Function / Enabling Condition
1. Transition to and completion of tertiary education	Safe, accessible learning environments (digital and physical); equitable enrolment procedures; trained faculty in safeguarding and ethical pedagogy; learning hubs in displacement contexts and on university campuses implementing safeguarding protocols and grievance redress systems.
2. Bridging and quality in secondary education	Child safeguarding systems, GBV prevention and reporting, teacher capacity in positive and gender-transformative pedagogy; structured referral for psychosocial support; inclusion of safeguarding in Athletics+Education and SEL mentoring; safeguarded pathways into tertiary education or other programs.
3. Transition to decent work	Safeguarded pathways into internships and employment; prevention of exploitation in digital labour; partnerships with ILO and private sector for safe, inclusive work practices; protection of student data and credentials.
4. Deepening gender equity and disability inclusion	Gender- and disability-responsive design, assistive devices, inclusive sports, accessible facilities, anti-bullying and anti-discrimination policies; safeguarding audits addressing intersectional risks.
5. Research and learning	Ethical and non-extractive research practices (AHEEN Research Ethics Guidelines); informed consent and data privacy; safeguarding training for refugee researchers and participants; alignment with national research ethics approval guidelines.
6. Capacity strengthening for policy implementation	Integration of safeguarding within higher education and labour policies; engagement with ministries and humanitarian partners on safeguarding compliance; inclusion of refugees in policy decision-making on safety and inclusion.