Safeguarding

The Mastercard Foundation has a deep commitment and responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of those who participate in our programs. We honour our position of trust and commit never to take advantage of the inherent power imbalance between the Foundation, our partners, and the young people we serve. We do not tolerate exploitation or abuse in any form. We also strive to ensure our programs and operations do not unintentionally cause harm. We act with integrity and live by these principles. 

Every individual at the Mastercard Foundation is responsible for safeguarding. Our highest priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of those participating in our program. Many of the individuals we work with are vulnerable and may already be at risk due to their circumstances.

Safeguarding is non-negotiable and goes beyond having a policy in place. It is a practice that should be embedded in everything we do daily. As a Foundation, we are working towards a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. Within this vision, there is implicitly a deep commitment to building trust. We must create a safe space for people to express themselves and their agency. We risk everything if we do not create an environment where they can trust us. Without a foundation of trust, we cannot build a lasting relationship that allows us to work with others to achieve real impact. We will only start to make a significant impact and difference, only when safeguarding is no longer seen as a separate intervention, but as an integral part of how we design and deliver our programs. 

For more information, please see our Policies and Guidelines.