CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
The American School of Douala (ASD) is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of every student in our care. We recognize that a secure, supportive environment is essential for students to thrive both academically and personally.
Upholding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, we have integrated comprehensive child protection and safeguarding measures into every aspect of school life.
ASD’s Child Protection Policy ensures that all staff are trained to recognize and respond to signs of abuse or neglect. We provide students with education on personal boundaries, their rights, and the importance of speaking up if they or someone they know is facing harm. Our dedicated Child Protection Team offers ongoing support to students, fostering a culture of safety and trust throughout the school community.
Child protection is a shared responsibility, and we work closely with parents to maintain open communication and provide resources that support child safety at home and in the broader community.
At ASD, child abuse is recognized as any behavior that infringes on a child’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being. Abuse may manifest in various forms, including:
All ASD staff are mandated to report any suspected child abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment, or cyberbullying within 24 hours of concern. Reports can be made to any member of the Child Protection Team (CPT), which includes trained counselors, teachers, and administrators.
Once a report is made, it is discussed with the CPT Coordinator, who then conducts a thorough investigation involving all relevant parties. ASD follows strict confidentiality protocols to ensure the safety of the child and prioritize their best interests throughout the investigation.
Once a case of abuse is confirmed by the Child Protection Team (CPT) Coordinator, ASD takes immediate action to ensure the child’s safety. This includes removing the child from any immediate harm and notifying parents. ASD offers its own counseling services to support the child, with external counseling providers considered only at the request of the parents. The school provides ongoing monitoring and support, ensuring the child’s well-being through regular check-ins and adjustments to their school environment. All actions are thoroughly documented and kept confidential. In cases where legal intervention is necessary, ASD cooperates with local authorities and external agencies to ensure the child’s protection. Additionally, the school reviews its policies and procedures to prevent future incidents and raises awareness among staff and students.
At ASD, we believe that prevention is as critical as intervention. To this end, we have established a comprehensive set of practices to ensure child safety:
ASD takes additional measures to protect students during off-campus activities, such as field trips or overnight excursions. Each trip includes:
In a digital age, protecting students online is just as important as safeguarding them in person. ASD has a strict Acceptable Use Policy for technology and works to prevent cyberbullying. Students and staff are regularly educated on responsible online behavior and the dangers of cyberbullying.
ASD is committed to being a refuge for children who may be facing abuse, neglect, bullying, or harassment. We provide support systems, counseling services, and a safe space where children can report abuse. Our goal is to ensure every child feels valued, protected, and supported, both inside and outside the classroom.
For more information on our Child Protection Program or to report a concern, please contact the ASD Child Protection Team Lead:Â
Dr. Brooke Ayars in Wing A, 2nd floor room counselor.
Child Protection Team Members:
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Contact
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Location
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Dr. Brooke Ayars
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Wing A, 2nd floor room, Counselor
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Mr. Patrick Ndonga
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Wing A, 1st floor room 18
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Mr. Ernest Tem
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Mr. Chrysantus Akembom
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Wing B 1st floor room 102
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Wing A Ground floor room Kindergarten
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Wing A 2nd floor room 29
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At the American School of Douala, the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all children. To ensure transparency and clarity regarding our practices, we invite you to review our Child Protection Policy Manual.
This manual outlines our procedures and guidelines to safeguard our students and foster a secure learning atmosphere. We encourage you to take the time to read through it and understand our commitment to child protection.
To access the Child Protection Policy Manual, please click on the link below:
Courier Address: American School of Douala, 771 Avenue de L’independence
B.P. 1909 Douala – Republic of Cameroon, Central Africa
