Tool: Creating a safe space

Spaces should be safe, comfortable and conducive to adolescents’ participation in activities. Be creative! As long as basic conditions are in place, it is often possible to make activity spaces safe and welcoming without too much effort.

Ask the following questions when assessing whether a space is appropriate for introducing the activities, approaches and supplies in the Adolescent Kit.

Finding a space

• Are there any safe, adolescent-friendly spaces already available in the entry point programme or within other programmes and institutions in the community? Possibilities may include classrooms, assembly rooms, playgrounds, child-friendly spaces, youth or community centres.
• Does the community have spaces that could be ‘borrowed’ by adolescents? For example, places of worship (e.g. churches or mosques), community halls, local businesses, or out door areas in compounds.
• Are there any vacant or unused spaces? For example, fields, lots or parks.

Accessibility of the space

• Is the space located somewhere that adolescent boys and girls can access safely?
• Is the space near where adolescents live or spend their time?
• How long will it take for adolescents to travel to the space? Will it cost them any money?
• What routes will adolescent girls and boys need to take to get to the space? How safe are these travel routes?
• Are there safe forms of transportation available to the adolescents? 

Location of the space

• Are adolescents free of distractions from their surroundings?
• Is the space sheltered from onlookers? (This may be particularly important for girls).
• Could the adolescents cause disturbance to others nearby with their playing, talking, singing or shouting?
• Is the space near other programmes and services that adolescents could benefit from, such as schools or health clinics?
• Is the space removed from places where adolescents feel uncomfortable or unsafe or that they wish to avoid?

Size, safety and comfort of the space

• Can adolescents move around comfortably and safely in the space?
• Is the space large enough for the adolescents to run, jump and move freely during high-energy activities?
• Can adolescents focus, relax and interact during quiet activities in the space?
• Is the space very hot, very cold, or very wet – in general, or in certain weather or seasons?
• Is the space free of obstacles or hazards such as broken glass, sharp rocks, mud adolescents could slip on or things they could trip over? Has it been cleared for land mines or unexploded ordinances (UXOs) (if applicable)?
• Is the space clean and free of conditions that might contribute to illness or disease
  (e.g. mud, standing water or rubbish)?
• Is the space clean and dry enough for adolescents to write, draw, and work on art or
  other projects?
• Is there enough room to use supplies, materials and equipment to work on projects?
• Can adolescents store notes or projects in the space?

Hand-washing and toilet facilities

• Is there somewhere for adolescents to wash their hands with soap and water– either in the space or nearby? Do adolescents (particularly girls) feel safe accessing these hand-washing facilities?
• Are there clean, safe and private toilets or latrines – either in the space or nearby?
• Are there separate toilets or latrines for boys and girls? Are they accessible for those with disabilities?
• Can the toilets/latrines be locked from the inside? Do adolescents (particularly girls) feel safe and comfortable using these toilets or latrines?
• Is there somewhere to post a sign that encourages adolescents to wash their hands before and after sessions?

Make sure to pay attention to the different needs and situations of adolescent girls, boys, those with disabilities, younger and older age groups, and adolescents from different social, ethnic and religious groups.